Welcome to The Health Coop
Positive hen health begins with nutrition and promotes happier, healthier birds that lay a higher grade of egg and live a happier life. We publish professional health advice and tips for keeping hens as healthy as possible at home. Our health tips are written by professional vets and approved by the Surrey Poultry Vet.
What if my hen is nesting but not laying?
Nesting hens should be laying eggs. If any hen is spending frequent, unproductive periods inside a nest box, it is recommended that veterinary assistance is sought.
How do I improve my egg shell quality?
There are many causes of "stress" in hens. We humans are used to discussing stress in terms of our mental health and although that certainly applies to our hens as well, there are also physiological causes of stress that may not be so obvious.
How to tell if a hen is laying
It can be difficult in small flocks of pet hens to know which hens are laying.
What are probiotics & prebiotics and how do they work?
Understand the difference between probiotics and prebiotics and how they can be used to help your hen.
Broody Hens
Nesting hens should be laying eggs. There are many causes for nesting including hormonal changes, behaviour and illness.
What is bumblefoot?
Bumblefoot is a term commonly used to describe a disease of the foot in birds. The problem is that the term "bumblefoot" does not describe the problem accurately.
How do hen’s intestines work?
A hen’s intestines not only aid digestion, but are an essential part of the bird’s immune system too.
What actually is vent gleet?
Vent gleet is a general description of inflammation (reddening) of the vent. This inflammation can be the result of many differing issues, some of which may need a more specific treatment.
What colour should my hen’s comb be?
Hen comb colour can be a good indicator of health, condition and stage of lay. Changes in the appearance of comb such as swelling, can be suggestive of infectious disease.
How are eggs made?
Different breeds lay at different rates. A typical brown hybrid layer will produce at peak production an egg on 9 out of every 10 days. Whereas traditional breeds often produce eggs at lower rates.
How can I help my hens lay good quality eggs?
Good egg quality means high quality contents and shell. Table eggs need to be clean, reducing the level of bacterial on the shell entering your kitchen, and nutritious.
Why do hens moult?
Moulting occurs naturally in some hens, often at the end of their natural egg laying period after a year.
What influences egg yolk colour?
Carotenoids play the most important role in providing egg yolk colour. This family of pigments can vary in colour from yellow to red, and are occur naturally in many different plants, fungi and algae.
Treat your hens
Along with expert poultry information, Happy Healthy Hens produce high quality, research-led poultry products empowering pet owners to raise the happiest and healthiest hens in the world.