Big behavior changes. Is this normal?

[Chick Chica]

In the span of a weekend my happy little pullet trio has had a change in the "order".
My #2 Americana is now #1. The fact that he woke up crowing for the first time might have something to do with it but I'm really concerned about my other bird. I have a buff oprington which was #1. There was a fight over the weekend. My buff has a big wound on her chest and a couple of bumps on her head. The wound appears to be healing quite quickly but her behavior has done a 360. what was once a bossy, pushy, bully hen; is now a docile, stoic hen. She does eat and drink but not with or when the other two do and not with vigor. She just kind of stands around. Is this normal? I mean, she did have her feathers "handed to her" but she seems as though she is in shock. I put her in my lap this morning and hand fed because I didn't think she was eating. This was also new. Something I could never do. There have been no more "throw downs" since.

I have raised these from week 1. As far as the sex of the oprington? Well, the jury is still out. Maybe it's a "guy thing".

Does anyone have any feedback?....Experience,strength and hope?

 

[TwoCrows]

I would keep an eye on her as something may be wrong with her. They will jostle for position for a few months till the pecking order falls into place. But if a bird seems traumatized over the pecking order, something is amiss.

If she starts to show any signs of anything illness wise, you can repost here and maybe someone can help you figure it out.

I hope she feels ok soon.

 

[Chick Chica]

Thank-you for your feedback twocrowsranch. There HAS been some new observations. Her breathing is heavy and she's wheezing. I had to feed her by hand this morning. She wouldn't eat the chick starter but she ate cracked corn. I have not seen her drink anything. Her comb appears very dry and pale. Waddles too but not as much. I think she might have some kind of cold. Still not sociable but a little more aware than yesterday.

I'm going to poke around the website for info in regards to my issue.

Any other feedback will be gratefully accepted.

Again, I really appreciate you replying.

Thank you so much!

C.C.

 

[TwoCrows]

I would start her on antibiotics. If you have any Duramycin around, it is a broad spectrum med and takes care of general things. Sulpha drugs work well also. Good luck with your baby.

 

[Chick Chica]

Thank-you Twocrows.

Now there has been more findings. I found a large lump on her throat. It is not hard. I think it is an impacted crop. She isn't eating anything but scratching and picking at the earth. Not a lot of poop either. Yesterday just cracked corn and water. today I haven't seen her eat anything or drink anything.

I had her in my lap when I discovered the lump. I massaged it and found that it was not hard. It feels like feed is stuck in her throat. Also as I was massaging the lump, Patty, (my 12 week old buff) leaned into my hand and sat down as I was doing this. WOW! I think she knows what it is too. Based on the information that I've been reading; Impacted crop is my diagnosis.

I am going to give some olive oil from an eye dropper and bring her inside to keep her warm. Water only, until this passes. Literally.

I am new to raising chickens so I am open to any and all feedback.

Thanks again.

C.C.