Salpingitis in Laying Hens

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1 What is a Lash Egg? Salpingitis in Laying Hens I had never even heard of a lash egg. It had been over 10 years since we first began chicken keeping. In all that time, not once did I have a lash egg laid in my chicken coop. Until one day, a strange looking thing appeared. We had occasional strange eggs, bumpy shells, extra pigment, weak egg shells and one or two rubber eggs (no shell at all). And then, there it was. What is a Lash Egg you might be asking?

2 What is a Lash Egg? The first time you see this anomaly in the nest box or somewhere in the hen house you will be shocked. They are pretty gross looking objects. The lash egg may be rubbery and hard or a bit squishy but the many layers of material inside are the true markings of a lash egg. Salpingitis The correct term for the condition causing a lash egg is Salpingitis which is an inflammation of the oviduct where the egg begins its travels. The lash egg is not a true egg but may contain bits of egg material and a lot of pus and other material. They are rather disgusting and odd. The reason they are sort of egg shaped is because they still travel through the reproductive system, as an egg does. The one I found was very green. The inside, on further inspection, did show the layers and different material inside.

3 Is a lash egg a health problem? Is it a big problem? Lash Eggs, or Salpingitis can be a big problem. The inflammation may be due to an illness or infection and often by the time the lash eggs are seen, the hen is too sick to be saved. occurrence. Or it could be a one time As with many things when dealing with chickens, we often don t see the symptoms of a problem until it is too far gone. In our case, I looked at all the hens trying to determine which one might have laid the lash egg. All of our hens seemed very healthy and happy, eating well, interacting and dust bathing. None of the hens had any lethargy, cough, drainage or discharge. Do You Need to Cull the Hen? I definitely do not believe you need to cull a hen because she laid a lash egg or if she lays any abnormal egg. Many factors can contribute to upsetting the natural egg production. In the case of a lash egg, an infection or illness may irritate the Fallopian tube and oviduct causing an abnormal secretion or presence of pus. This may be serious or transient. Hens can recover from illness on their own or they may succumb. I would not recommend letting any animal suffer pain or serious illness but I believe a wait and see approach can be taken. A vet can be called to assist and may prescribe antibiotics. (read Lash Eggs And Dangerous Advice From Bloggers) Be Wary of What You Read on the Internet A lot of the information available on the internet recommends an immediate death sentence and here is why I think some people say this. In a commercial chicken business, the bottom line is production and profit. Now I am not saying that the operators don t care for the chickens or want them to be healthy. I am saying that feeding a potentially, seriously

4 ill chicken would be counter productive to the goal. This is why I state over and over that we need to know the purpose of the information on the internet. Why was it written, and who was it written for. Information written for poultry production houses can vary greatly from a course of action a small flock owner can take with non-communicable health issues. What should a backyard chicken keeper do? In the case of backyard chicken keepers and non- contagious illness, we can usually afford to take a few days to observe the affected hen, if we can even determine who laid the lash egg. Also, seek professional veterinary help if you feel you need it. No one can diagnose anything with one hundred percent accuracy, on the internet.

5 What can be done? If a hen is acting unwell, I would certainly take all precautions and start good bio-security practices. Naturally, I would treat the hen with an antibiotic, prescribed by the veterinarian. In addition, keeping the hens healthy on a day to day basis is extremely important. Good preventative health care for chickens can include probiotics and herbs along with quality layer feed. Keep the hens healthy with natural care Building a healthy immune system by feeding fresh herbs, apple cider vinegar in the drinking water and garlic added to the feed does help boost the immune system. We do all of this. Since all of my hens seem perfectly healthy, I am going to just watch for signs of illness and hope the lash egg was an anomaly. And again, anytime you feel unsure of your chicken s health, consult an avian veterinarian.

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7 This post appeared on Backyard Poultry Magazine.com 4 Bacteria that Make Chickens Sick Bacteria that make chickens sick can come from many sources. Bringing in new flock members, wearing shoes to another poultry farm and then into your coop, are some of the ways

8 bacterial infections can enter your flock. Many of the bacterial infections can result in loss of members of the flock. Prevention and cleanliness would be the key to naturally avoiding bacterial infections. Once a bacterial infection is present, proceed carefully in eradicating it. In many cases, bacteria that make chickens sick, can also make people sick. Wearing gloves, and practicing good handwashing after caring for the chicken are good precautions. Four Bacteria that Make Chickens Sick Infectious Choryza Infectious Choryza looks like severe cold symptoms. Unfortunately, the disease is caused by a bacteria. Any age chickens can become ill from it. The usual course is 2 to 3 weeks. In many instances mycoplasmosis complicates the healing. Antibiotic treatment is effective on this highly contagious bacteria. Symptoms include, but are not limited to,difficulty breathing, and swollen eyelids. According to the Merck Vetrinary Manual, egg transmission does not occur. Antibiotics are successful in controlling the outbreak and there are preventive vaccines available in areas where outbreaks are common. This is a serious illness, and commercial poultry business has largely eradicated it by using the all in all out approach. Searching the internet for instances of natural treatment of Infectious Choryza, I came across this rather involved and detailed treatment of a flock using many extracts and herbs. Staphylococcus Aureus Staph infections can be a big problem in a chicken coop or any poultry flock. The bacteria can cause a range of problems but the most common for ducks and chickens would be the condition commonly referred to as bumblefoot. This is an infection on

9 the bottom of the foot that abscesses. It makes walking on the foot painful for the bird. Cleaning and soaking the foot in an antibacterial solution may help the abscess to clear up. More stubborn cases may require surgery to eliminate the core in the abscess and allow the infection to heal. Prevent bumblefoot by managing the coop flooring and with regular cleaning. In addition, make sure that the roost bars do not have splinters or rough patches. If you would like more information on treating Staph infections in chicken and duck feet, read this post. E.Coli Escherichia Coli is present in the environment. E.Coli is also

10 present in the intestinal tract of all living birds and animals. Foods that can lead to an unhealthy digestive tract, such as fatty foods, sweets, and too baked goods can throw off the balance of your chickens digestive tract. If the digestive tract gets out of balance, then, E.Coli can take over and become a big problem. Stress and unsanitary conditions can lead to an outbreak of E.Coli. I believe that probiotics given regularly will help the digestive tract stay healthy. We add homemade apple cider vinegar to the chickens water a few times a week. People often ask me how much ACV to add. My usual answer is about a tablespoon to a gallon of fresh water. However, when I change out the water every day, I estimate the tablespoon amount. Just don t add too much. You want it in the water but not to change the taste of the water completely. Cleaning water bowls and feed pans regularly, keeping droppings cleaned up and not allowing the poultry area to stay wet and damp will also help prevent an outbreak. Salmonella Pullorum I hope you never have a case of Salmonella Pullorum. Salmonella can affect any species of fowl but is usually limited to turkeys and chickens. The bacteria is then transmitted through the egg to the chick from infected hens, and from chick to chick in the incubator. It is deadly in young chicks, with many dying early with no symptoms shown. There can be carriers of the bacteria too. The recommendation is to not keep a flock that has experienced an out break as the recovered flock members will be carriers. I realize that this is a very painful decision to make. If you get a confirmed diagnosis of Salmonella, it is very dire.

11 Some tips include: for reducing stress On a happier note, when feeding a good quality ration, adding herbs and natural probiotics to the diet, and reducing stress in the flock will keep them more resistant to bacteria that make chickens sick. Wearing different shoes when visiting anyone with a flock of poultry You keep a strict quarantine of at least 30 days for any new chickens being added to the flock Utilizing a routine

12 Making sure the coop is well ventilated and fresh smelling Removing and quarantining any chickens who appear ill Providing a safe place from predators As we head into the colder months in many parts of our country, I hope you have a safe and healthy winter. Please add any suggestions you have for keeping your flock free from bacteria that make chickens sick. Backyard Hens and the Long Wait for Eggs

13 Backyard Hens and the Long Wait for Eggs If you have started raising backyard hens for the first time, you may be well on your way to finding eggs in your backyard. Or you may be stalking the nest box, impatiently waiting to see an egg in there. Chicks grow incredibly fast and look fully grown long before their insides are finished developing. This can be frustrating to a new chicken owner, because fresh eggs are most likely the most important reason for raising backyard hens! When you hear from friends that they are already finding fresh eggs in the nest box at their coop, you will be tempted to try to speed things up. But really, there is nothing you can do, except wait and let nature run its course. Your pullets are maturing and getting ready for the next few years of egg laying.

14 What are the best things to do to help? The following three things are the best practices for helping your pullets become strong egg laying backyard hens. You have been feeding your pullets a good quality chick grower food, supplementing as much as possible with some safe free ranging time, or providing some fresh herbs and greens, in the coop. You have switched them to a quality layer ration at around 20 weeks of age. You have provided a clean, safe environment, minimizing stress as much as possible.

15 How Old Will the Pullet Be When She Lays an Egg Most hens will start laying eggs around 18 to 30 weeks of age. Yes, that is a huge range but breeds vary and the heavier weight breeds can take longer to mature. One egg will be laid every 23 to 27 hours with the average being every 25 hours. How the Egg Becomes an Egg The yolk is deposited on the follicle and then makes a few stops on its way through the reproductive tract. The first stop is at the top of the funnel like opening of the reproductive tract which is where fertilization would take place if you have a rooster. production, though. No rooster is necessary for egg

16 The yolk stops for the addition of the albumin, (the white part of the egg) and slightly further along the membranes are added. When the egg reaches the uterus, it is ready for more albumin and then the shell begins to form. This stop is the longest on the journey. The uterus is also where the color of the egg shell is added. Finally, a sealant, called the cuticle coating is added. The cuticle prevents the egg from drying out and helps keep bacteria from entering through the porous shell. Finally, the egg is released through the vent, a shared opening for both waste product and eggs. Now you can go make breakfast! Try to be patient with your young backyard hens. They have a lot going on inside while they are eating up the chicken food and basking in the dust bath. Soon you will have a regular supply of fresh eggs, right outside your back door.

17 Janet writes about many homestead and livestock related topics on her blog Timber Creek Farm. Her new book, Chickens From Scratch, is available now through the Timber Creek Farm website or from Amazon.com

18 Chicken Nesting Why is My Hen Broody? Chicken Nesting and Broody Behavior in Your Flock

19 W hynnie was intent on chicken nesting or broodiness and wanted to hatch out the eggs. This was my first time dealing with a broody hen, who was following nature s call to chicken nesting. One day I stopped to watch one of my hens gather up a clutch of eggs to sit on. It was interesting to watch as she

20 methodically pulled each egg under her body using her feet and beak. Quiet determination at its best. I was so glad I had my camera with me. This is one of our Silver Laced Wyandotte hens. When I first published these photos on the blog a few years ago, I was amazed that Whynnie went about her chicken nesting while I was standing there. But broody behavior is a strong urge for a hen and I guess she had to do what she had to do. What makes some hens broody and other s never have a thought about sitting on a nest? The hormones that kick in when egg laying begins causes some hens to seek motherhood immediately, while other s never have this urge. Breaking the hen of the broody behavior may be necessary in some instances. 1. You may not want anymore chicks in your coop 2. You don t have a rooster, so the eggs are not fertilized. 3. The hen is not healthy enough to go through a broody phase without further health decline. Some hens are not easy keepers, don t keep weight on well, or have other issues. Setting on eggs for three weeks, only getting up once or twice a day, will lead to further health deterioration. 4. You want or need the eggs for food and do not want the chicken sitting on them. Also, while your hen is setting on eggs, she will not be laying any eggs.

21 Whynnie arranges her body over the eggs Some breeds are more inclined to broodiness and chicken nesting than others. Cochins, Brahmas, Orpingtons and Silkie s have all been reported as being more likely to be broody than other breeds. In my flock, the Black Australorps are the most likely to be interested in chicken nesting. In the case of Whynnie s attempt at chicken nesting, I did not want anymore chicks at that point. So I had to break her of the chicken nesting, broody urge.

22 only one egg peeking out! Breaking a Broody Hen I took her off the nest of eggs and picked them up, removing them from the coop. The next day, Whynnie tried again. She continued to try chicken nesting for several days, and each day I picked her up and insisted she go out to play with everyone else. Finally, her urge to brood passed. Her life returned to normal. The other hens were happy they could go into the nest without Whynnie getting upset. During warm weather, some people will give the hen a cool shallow bath to sit in for a few minutes. Whynnie was insistent that it was her time to attempt chicken nesting. She is still part of our flock and has never had another spell of persistent broodiness.

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24 Egg Facts 5 Incredible Reasons to Eat Eggs Incredible Egg Facts Eggs are one of the best sources of protein available to us. Raising hens for eggs means that you have easy access to one of the few high quality affordable sources of protein. Another reason to say nothing beats poultry farming in your backyard! Did you know that there are 12 essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids contained in an egg? What exactly are these wonders contained in an egg? The nutrients in an egg are Protein, Vitamin D, Choline,

25 Vitamin B12, Folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Iron, Thiamin,Vitamin E, (Selenium and Zinc) and Phosphorus. While this list has many recognizable components on it, it does not tell us what the nutrients in eggs really do for our bodies. Five key areas are listed below, with brief explanations of how eggs can benefit our bodies. (Read to the end for a delicious recipe!) Egg Facts Fetal Development While all the components in the egg are good for nutrition during pregnancy, Choline, Folate, and Zinc play significant roles in healthy fetal development. Folic Acid is found in prenatal vitamins. These three nutrients play an important role during the neural tube formation in early fetal development. Bone Health Eggs are high in Vitamin D. Vitamin D is needed for bone health because it plays a big part in calcium absorption. For Muscles Eggs are a significant source of protein, coming in at 6 grams of protein per egg. In addition, eggs are a complete protein, meaning they contain all nine of the amino acids. The high quality, affordable protein from eggs helps our bodies build muscles. For Brain Choline to the rescue again. Choline is a vitamin like substance that is usually grouped with the B vitamins. Not only does it contribute important nutrients during fetal development, but it also keeps our brains healthy as adults. Choline plays a significant role in memory. So as we age, eating eggs can be a good thing! For General Good Health The disease fighting nutrient, Lutein, along with Zeaxanthin and other carotinoids, are

26 important in eye health. These same nutrients are also essential in fighting disease. As we raise our back yard chickens, it is important to know what to feed chickens so that they lay healthy eggs. Feeding a nutritionally sound formula provides all the essentials your hen needs to lay delicious, protein packed eggs for your family meals. Feeding treats high in the carotinoids, Luteins, and antioxidants, gives the egg yolks that beautiful deep rich orange color. The eggs laid by your backyard hens are an amazing source of protein. How can you take advantage of this wonderful protein source if you are a busy family on the go? I am sharing a family favorite that we use to start the day with protein and nutrition even when rushing out the door. I don t know about you, but if I eat a good protein filled breakfast in the morning, I don t get that mid morning crash that can occur with just eating toast.

27 Baked Egg Muffins To Go Ingredients 6 eggs 1/2 cup of milk 1/4 tsp salt 1/8 tsp pepper 1 cup cheddar cheese 1 cup total of chopped vegetables, including your choice of tomatoes, zucchini, shredded carrots, chopped peppers, chopped onion. If you are feeling adventurous, include a small amount of chopped ham or bacon. Directions (preheat oven to 350 degrees F) Beat the eggs in a bowl. Add milk, salt and pepper. Stir in

28 the veggies and cheese. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan Carefully spoon the egg mixture into the individual muffin cups in the pan. (approximately 1/4 cup each) Bake 350 degrees F for minutes until cooked in the center. Let cool for 5 minutes, remove from the pan to serving plate. Store extras wrapped individually in the freezer. freezer and thaw in the refrigerator as needed. Remove from (For a quick morning breakfast, remove one egg muffin from the freezer the night before, reheat in the oven or microwave. Serve with toast, English muffin or eat as they are.)

29 There s no argument, after seeing the research, that eggs should be a regular part of our diet. Enjoying eggs during our lifetime can contribute to healthy development of our babies, even while in the womb, and yes dad s there is evidence that eating healthy eggs can help with your contribution to a healthy baby, too.

30 Baked Egg Muffins To Go :46:31

31 Serves 6 Quick and easy make ahead breakfast. Write a review Save Recipe Print Prep Time 10 min Cook Time 25 min Total Time 30 min Prep Time 10 min Cook Time 25 min Total Time

32 30 min Ingredients 1. 6 eggs 2. 1/2 cup of milk 3. 1/4 tsp salt 4. 1/8 tsp pepper 5. 1 cup cheddar cheese 6. 1 cup total of chopped vegetables, including your choice of tomatoes, zucchini, shredded carrots, chopped peppers, chopped onion. If you are feeling adventurous, include a small amount of chopped ham or bacon. Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 350F Grease or spray non-stick spray in the wells of 12 muffin cups or cupcake pan Beat the eggs in a bowl. Add milk, salt and pepper. Stir in the veggies and cheese. Grease a 12 cup muffin pan Carefully spoon the egg mixture into the individual muffin cups in the pan. (approximately 1/4 cup each) Bake 350 degrees F for minutes until cooked in the center. Let cool for 5 minutes, remove from the pan to serving plate. Store extras wrapped individually in the freezer. Remove from freezer and thaw in the refrigerator as needed. (For a quick morning breakfast, remove egg muffins from the freezer the night before, reheat in the oven or microwave. Serve with toast, English muffin or eat as they are.) By Janet Garman Timber Creek Farm The Yolk A Nutrient Gold Mine Egg Yolk Brochure American Egg Board