The big picture with my last crop of hens has thrown up more questions than answers. At 55 weeks they were performing well (2 sheds one with 5000 in one with 7000 in) then we had a rather dramatic 20% drop in production, no mortality,I noticed a change in muck to a yellow colour and asked feed rep any change in ration, No was the answer, we then realised that a percentage of the birds (10 %)started to go into premature moult feathering up lots in nest box very dirty nest boxes etc. still no rise in mortality this was happening in both houses and the birds had not been without food water or light the vets said this would be likely cause . This continued for 8 weeks then we got a spike of mortality 3%in a week got the birds analysed erysipelas hence my last post didnt just belive it got second opinion from another vet Big liver and spleen disease caused by virus ,this fits my symptoms exactly. muck samples come back positive for Bracispira. The birds have continued to go into moult at a regular rate and are starting to come out now production is slightly improving. What do I do now spend another £2000 vacinating my next flock against Erysipelas Can I prevent Bracispira from infecting next crop(we are waiting to see which type of bracispira it is) My hens do range a lot as they go out into a mature 2 acre wood and 50 to 60 % of my birds are out during the day. Really at whits end because with food price rises predicted for next crop cant afford poor production may have to call it a day. any advice greatly received .