I know this is an older post but it popped up while I was doing my own research in Downs chickens.This may sound like a stupid question, but I am wondering if it is possible that my hen has Down Syndrome or something similar. I have always thought that it was... "special", so I was just wondering. I have to carry into the coop at night and when it rains the other hens go inside but it just sits outside in the rain. I used to let them free range (before loosing several to coyotes) and when I went outside to close the gate at night (much after dark) and would find her in a pile of rocks or a bush. We just built a very large coop with a yard 3x the size of the old yard and although the other chickens adapted to it very well she still seems confused. When other chickens peck at her she just sits there. 2 times she has almost died because the hens peck at her all day and she just sits there. Also, she can not perch. Silkies can not fly well so I lift her onto the perch but she inches over to the counter connected to perches and sleeps there. But in the morning she can't figure out how to get down, even though it is probably only 3 feet tall. She is 3 1/2 years old and I have had her for almost 3 years. Does anyone know what is wrong with her? Thank you!
-G
