Bullying behavior/egg laying

[1sfarmdoc]

We have 10 hens & 1 rooster, our first flock so their first winter. Three Barred Rock, 3 RRIs, 2 Buff Orps, 2 Easter Eggers (Rooster is also an EE). The EE hens are absolutely the "runts" of the flock. One is all white and quite small. The other, Caunny, has been behaving very strangely lately. In southern WI, it's been a brutal several weeks of below zero temps but I'm on farm full-time so have tended to them regularly with warm water, lots of warm snacks, extra grain. NO artificial light or heat, however.

I'm not concerned so much with laying, since it seems some hens need a break during winter. But Caunny has really cut herself off from the flock. When I put treats at one end of the winter run, she's the only one to hang back in the coop. She's doesn't seem to be laying (all others are, even if it's slowed down a bit) and is the most regular target of "attack" during grain feeding times especially from the RRIs. Usually the BRs are at the top of the pecking order.

Want to make sure something isn't horribly wrong... disease, peritonitis, etc. . I've tried to feed her separately sporadically but that seems to make things worse.

Help!

 

[The Phantom]

Most hens take a break in the winter. I am in Kewaskum Wi where are you

 

[azygous]

You are wise to be concerned about this little girl. Chickens can often sense when one of their peers is infirm, and they respond by trying to ostracize her.

I would start with a head to toe examination of this individual. Check for wounds, injuries, under the feathers, looking at the skin for swelling or redness. Check the crop tonight and again in the morning before she eats. She may have a developing crop issue.

Note the color of her facial tissue and comb. If it's a dusky purple, she may have pulmonary issue. If she spends any time on the nest without producing an egg, you might expect egg-binding. Note where she roosts so you can see a sample of her poop. You might even wish to take it to a vet and ask for a cecal float test. It can tell you if she has parasites.

If she checks out normal in every respect, she may simply be the lowest in the flock social order, and it's robbing her if her self confidence. There are things you can do to help her regain her mojo, but lets rule out pathological causes first.

 

[1sfarmdoc]

Most hens take a break in the winter. I am in Kewaskum Wi where are you

Madison

 

[The Phantom]

Cool!