Antisocial chicken?

[mistermorel]

Hey all,

I recently started a flock of four: two pullets brooded by a friend, two pullets bought from a local farmer. Integration seemed to go really well in the first few days. The hens were sleeping together on the roost almost immediately & there has been no major conflict (no pecking, bullying, etc). But, one of the hens has always been a bit withdrawn and as of late has become pretty antisocial.

She still loves humans, is active, bright-eyed, eating well, etc., just avoids the rest of the flock. She is very bonded to me and totally a lap chicken. Last night she was sleeping apart from them and she avoids them in the daytime. However, when I watch for a while, I see no bullying or violence of any sort, so I don't think she's being driven away.

Finally, I should note that she's kind of a runt. Not sure if it's her breed (cream legbar) or if she's just small, but she is noticeably more delicate than the other hens. She also has a potentially unrelated problem where, when she pecks at food, she sometimes misses. Maybe a vision problem? She still gets enough to eat plenty and definitely isn't having a problem with food intake.

Just a personality quirk, or something to be concerned about?

(She's on the right)

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Finally, I should note that she's kind of a runt. Not sure if it's her breed (cream legbar) or if she's just small, but she is noticeably more delicate than the other hens. She also has a potentially unrelated problem where, when she pecks at food, she sometimes misses. Maybe a vision problem? She still gets enough to eat plenty and definitely isn't having a problem with food intake.

Each bird has their own personality, so if she's not getting picked on, then I wouldn't worry too much about the social structure, they usually work that out on their own.

Pecking at food and missing however is a concern. Possible it's a vision problem. It would be a good idea to start now taking some photos of her eyes every week and note any changes in size, shape and/or color.

If you wish, get some better photos of what her eyes look like now and post them here so we can see them.

She's crested, so sometimes this makes a bird more prone to neurological problems. Missing when pecking is sometimes neurological, so I'd give her 400IU Vitamin E and 1/4 tablet B-Complex once daily for several weeks, see if she improves as far as being able to pick up morsels without missing.

You can find the vitamins in stores like Walmart, CVS, etc. in the vitamin aisle. Just pop the tablet piece/pills right into the beak one at a time and let her swallow.

 

[mistermorel]

Thanks, I'll give that a shot. If neurological, do the problems tend to worsen over time?

Her eyes look bright & clear to me. I'm not an expert, though, and could definitely be missing something.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks, I'll give that a shot. If neurological, do the problems tend to worsen over time?

Her eyes look bright & clear to me. I'm not an expert, though, and could definitely be missing something.

View attachment 3914141View attachment 3914142

She's cute isn't she!

Neurological symptoms can worsen in time, a lot would depend on the cause. The vitamin therapy may help her, may not, but it's worth try and won't hurt her.

I couldn't say anything is standing out a lot about her eyes at this time, but I'd take well lit clear photos of them at least once a month to see if there's any changes.

I'm not trying to alarm you are cause needless angst!!! So don't obsess over it, please. Just observe her behavior, take note if she improves with the vitamins and if there's any changes in the eyes over time.

 

[mistermorel]

Yes, she's adorable!! I'll try not to worry about it too much & will start giving her vitamins. She's definitely my favorite bird. Super super friendly with people, and since she was a chick she will perch on your arm like a hawk.