Behavior change

[Lynnannh]

I have 78-month-old hands. Everybody was laying and getting along together, living in the same coop, no problems. One hand in particular would be consistently the first 10 out of the coop when I opened it in the morning. About two weeks ago, she started sleeping in a nest box instead of roosting with the other chickens. Each day we would push her out of the box and she would sometimes wander back in during the day. All the chickens have started laying less with the colder weather now so it’s hard to say who’s lying and who’s not. I have been concerned about her, then today when I got home from work I found her out of the nest box and on the floor of the coop! Of course I am very concerned as I know this is not normal for her and I’m thinking it’s not normal for chickens in general? I have read some threads about maybe putting her into a warm bath in case she is egg bound? Any help appreciated!

 

[Lynnannh]

That is 7 eight month old HENS! Lol. Not hands. Ty

 

[Skippersnh]

You got some old hands lol

 

[glassdragonfly]

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Hello @Lynnannh . Can you share a bit more about your hen? Is she eating, moving about? Sounds like she's potentially sick?

 

[Lynnannh]

Ty! Any suggestions?

Hello @Lynnannh . Can you share a bit more about your hen? Is she eating, moving about? Sounds like she's potentially sick?

yes, I’m concerned she is sick because she has been staying in the coop not moving about. I have a farm vet in my town I will call today. Just was looking for some thoughts last night

 

[aart]

That is 7 eight month old HENS! Lol. Not hands. Ty

Knew hands was an autocorrect.
But I read it as 78 month old hens......19 years old!

Anyway.
When I have a bird that is acting 'off' I isolate bird in a wire cage within the coop for a day or two....so I can closely monitor their intake of food and water, crop function(checking at night and in morning before providing more feed), and their poops. Feel their abdomen, from below vent to between legs, for squishy or hard swelling. Check for external parasites or any other abnormalities.

Best to put crate right in coop or run so bird is still 'with' the flock.
I like to use a fold-able wire dog crate (24"L x 18"W x 21"H) with smaller mesh(1x2) on bottom of crate under tray.
Then you can put tray underneath crate to better observe droppings without it being stepped in. If smaller mesh is carefully installed, tray can still be used inside crate.

 

[Lynnannh]

Knew hands was an autocorrect.
But I read it as 78 month old hens......19 years old!

Anyway.
When I have a bird that is acting 'off' I isolate bird in a wire cage within the coop for a day or two....so I can closely monitor their intake of food and water, crop function(checking at night and in morning before providing more feed), and their poops. Feel their abdomen, from below vent to between legs, for squishy or hard swelling. Check for external parasites or any other abnormalities.

Best to put crate right in coop or run so bird is still 'with' the flock.
I like to use a fold-able wire dog crate (24"L x 18"W x 21"H) with smaller mesh(1x2) on bottom of crate under tray.
Then you can put tray underneath crate to better observe droppings without it being stepped in. If smaller mesh is carefully installed, tray can still be used inside crate.

 

[Lynnannh]

Art, thank you for your suggestions! This morning I found her still on the floor of the coop. I rubbed her belly as I had read last night it can help if they’re egg bound, and gave her electrolyte water. I didn’t feel anything concerning, but I haven’t done this before so idk. About 20 minutes later now and she is out in the run with her sisters preening and I saw her eat and drink! I’m much relieved but will continue to watch her closely and use your suggestion if she regresses. Ty!