what is my hen doing?

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GmanR

GmanR

Chirping
Feb 28, 2016
10
3
52
North Carolina
Hey guys, just today as i got home, this barred rock hen of mine has just been standing around with her tail down and puffed out significantly more than usual ill put a picture up to show what she is doing. Shes not doing much movement currently and usually i cant get within a step of my hens but now i have to get really close to make her move. Is this an illness or an early form of broodiness? Any help will be appreciated thanks, Gerald
400
 
She's not looking too good. When you do get her to move how is she moving? Have you picked her up and given her a thorough once over -- if so, what, if anything, did you feel.....if not, time to do so. Meant to add - the first thing I would check for is egg binding.
 
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If she is thin I would look for worms. If ground has been exceptionally wet or something has changed (flock members or location) then watch for cocci. Those issues including what it suggested above need quick corrective measures. I would remove the hen from flock during treatment even though it will cause social discord when she is re-introduced.
 
Ol Grey Mare said:
She's not looking too good.  When you do get her to move how is she moving?  Have you picked her up and given her a thorough once over -- if so, what, if anything, did you feel.....if not, time to do so.  Meant to add - the first thing I would check for is egg binding.
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moving doesn't seem to be impaired its the general trotting of a chicken but its not far which i just threw them out some feed and she kinda generally just walked over to the feed where as the others sprinted
The problem with me picking her up is im not too familiar with a chickens topography on the actual physical hands on part if you know what i mean
 
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As suggested above, isolate her (ie in a cage, etc) -- this allows you to better monitor intake of feed/water and the condition of her waste (color, consistency, etc). A nice box in the house allows for easy monitoring. As for the hands on part, pick up a healthy bird and touch it all over, feel what is squishy, what is hard, etc --now you have a baseline to use in identifying what feels different about the ill bird. You are mainly feeling for abnormal lumps/bumps/swelling, extreme lightness/boniness, etc. At this time you can also see if there is any discharge (around the facial openings and the vent), strange odors, etc.
 
Just a question but i did as you said and i felt like a soft squishy sack on it backside is that where the egg is developed? That was on a normal bird
 
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GmanR said:
Hey guys, just today as i got home, this barred rock hen of mine has just been standing around with her tail down and puffed out significantly more than usual ill put a picture up to show what she is doing. Shes not doing much movement currently and usually i cant get within a step of my hens but now i have to get really close to make her move. Is this an illness or an early form of broodiness? Any help will be appreciated thanks, Gerald
Click to expand...
Their water looks really dirty and not much in there. If you put it up higher it won't get so dirty. Hope your hen gets well soon. They really do need fresh clean water at all times.
 

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