[billbo]

hi all, very new to this and desperately need help. got 4 ex batt hens 3 weeks ago. found 1 this morning laying on her front, legs splayed behind her. she was fine yesterday, so quite a shock today. has anyone else had a similar problem before?

[shetlandpaul]

never had ex bats but you need to cull the hen. they have had a very tough life before you got them so a few dying is quite normal. it should not be any nasty bug as they should have been vacinated at birth. when you get some more birds try a pol red hen that has not been ill treat. you will notice the diffrence.

[daddymatty82]

sure it was not in the middle of a dust bath or sun bathing  my mums ex batts sometimes do this and then are fine the oldest is proberly 7 yrs old now as we go them 5 yrs ago and the farmer had them for 1-2 yrs before us from the battery

[Roxy]

Yes, they do lie down in a funny positon with wings out, enjoying the sun.  But, ex batts as with any hens, can suddenly go downhill very fast. Ex batts have been bred for their eggs, and they lay and lay in the farms, and are "spent" when they come out, so sometimes, they are just worn out, and there is nothing you can do.  But at least it has enjoyed a little freedom with  you.

[doganjo]

Is she drinking?  SI she still in this position?  If she is then she is probably ill.  They don't sunbath for that long nor dust bath.  Have another look.  you may have to do the deed.