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Why does my hen run around really fast then sit down?

post #1 of 18
7/15/12 at 7:20pm
Thread Starter 
My hen is acting so weird. She was pecking around and then ran around super fast and just sat down. I've seen her do it 3 times now. Is this normal behavior? I'm new to chickens and I've tried searching this forum and google, but nothing. She's 8 months, seems normal otherwise, just laid her usual egg this morning.....don't know if that is useful info smile.png
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post #2 of 18
7/15/12 at 7:23pm

I don't know.  Check her for lice or mites and then report back.  Something might be making her itchy.
 

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post #3 of 18
7/15/12 at 7:24pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by MsBagawkbagawk View Post

I don't know.  Check her for lice or mites and then report back.  Something might be making her itchy.

 

How do I check for lice and mites?
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post #4 of 18
7/15/12 at 7:32pm

Lice are small straw colored insects.  They will be all over.  Mites are usually around the vent, but there are so many types that I don't know what they all look like.

 

To check for lice run your hand up her feathers (gently) the opposite way that they grow, lift up her wings, check her legs, her neck, and her tail.  Mites lift up her tail so you can see the vent. If there is black that is mites.  Any bugs around there are probably mites.

 

Also, if you feel itchy after holding her really close it is probably lice.

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post #5 of 18
7/15/12 at 7:42pm
Thread Starter 
Ok I will check her and post what I find tomorrow (she's asleep).
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post #6 of 18
7/16/12 at 6:31am
Thread Starter 
I checked her out this morning and found no lice on her body or mites. I looked all over including the vent which looks clean.
Maybe mosquitoes?
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post #7 of 18
7/16/12 at 9:33am

Yeah, or ants even.  Sounds like she is trying to get away from something that is bothering her.
 

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post #8 of 18
7/17/12 at 7:22am
Thread Starter 
I just thought maybe it could mean something else, glad it's nothing major. smile.png sure can't help the mosquitoes or ants here in Florida! Lol. Thanks for the advice.
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post #9 of 18
7/17/12 at 11:26am

Yeah, those are the only things I could think of.  I wouldn't be worried unless it lasts for more than like 2 weeks.

 

Maybe if you feed her some garlic?  That's what my grandparents give their dogs and horses to help with bugs.

 

Can't wait for fall!  Hopefully it will get better then...fl.gif

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post #10 of 18
7/23/12 at 7:29pm

This just happened to my d'Uccle roo (who are prone to foot problems).  Turns out one of his toes is bent under his foot.  I'm not sure if it is broken but this happened to a chick once, but it worked itself out as she grew.  I didn't ask if she had any problems with her feet, which I guess is an obvious question, don't know how I didn't think of that.tongue.png 
 

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BackYard Chickens › BYC Forum › Raising BackYard Chickens › Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying › Why does my hen run around really fast then sit down?