Change in Chicken Behaviour - Sick/Unhappy?

[Lorielus]

Hi again all,

Afraid I'm back once again seeking advice as a novice.

Out of the four hens, one (Sarah Connor) has always been more boisterous and brave than the rest - jumps up on the garden gate to say hello and be petted, always first to run up to any visitors (human or animal) to investigate, etc.

The last few days (really since the hens began to lay which seems awfully coincidental), she seems to have quietened right down, often stands on her own, and seems completely different, including standing absolutely still, neck in, tail feathers down (though still coming out of the coop in the morning with the rest, which my (thoroughly novice) understanding means she isn't brooding.

I've checked for any obvious sign of sickness - crown, etc. still colourful, feathers look fine, no signs of mites, loose scales, etc. and I have seen her eating and drinking. I spent some time on Sunday watching them too, so there's no signs of bullying that I've noticed (to be honest, if anyone was to be the bully I would have expected to be her, but the hens seem to get along fine).

The only physical sign (aside from the aforementioned body language) I've notice is a mucky backside, some waste stuck around where you'd expect.

If there are any suggestions of cause or remedy I'd really appreciate it.

(If it's of any use, she's around 23 weeks old and a lavender legbar).

Many thanks as always.

 

[Rickba]

Hi Lorie, Where do you live. Chicken behavior will change with the weather. When it colder chicken will be less active. Conserving energy. Here in NW Pa. I live in the mountains, it's frosting. In the mornings my chickens come out to eat their fermented breakfast then sit with their feathers puffed 'til it warms and the sun hits the run, then they become more active.

 

[ChickensinAfrica]

Although she may not be broody she may be thinking of getting broody. Our chickens will act really strange for about 3-4 days before going broody.

 

[lcwmt]

Hi again all,

Afraid I'm back once again seeking advice as a novice.

Out of the four hens, one (Sarah Connor) has always been more boisterous and brave than the rest - jumps up on the garden gate to say hello and be petted, always first to run up to any visitors (human or animal) to investigate, etc.

The last few days (really since the hens began to lay which seems awfully coincidental), she seems to have quietened right down, often stands on her own, and seems completely different, including standing absolutely still, neck in, tail feathers down (though still coming out of the coop in the morning with the rest, which my (thoroughly novice) understanding means she isn't brooding.

I've checked for any obvious sign of sickness - crown, etc. still colourful, feathers look fine, no signs of mites, loose scales, etc. and I have seen her eating and drinking. I spent some time on Sunday watching them too, so there's no signs of bullying that I've noticed (to be honest, if anyone was to be the bully I would have expected to be her, but the hens seem to get along fine).

The only physical sign (aside from the aforementioned body language) I've notice is a mucky backside, some waste stuck around where you'd expect.

If there are any suggestions of cause or remedy I'd really appreciate it.

(If it's of any use, she's around 23 weeks old and a lavender legbar).

Many thanks as always.

Has she begun laying yet?

 

[Lorielus]

I think she has started laying, but only just - we've had our first eggs from them over the last week or so, and I'm pretty sure a couple of them have been hers.

 

[Lorielus]

Although she may not be broody she may be thinking of getting broody. Our chickens will act really strange for about 3-4 days before going broody.

Am I right in thinking that if she does she'll likely hang about in the coop by herself? From googling it seems to be recommended just to allow a few days for it to pass and if it doesn't apparently cooling her down with gentle dipping in cold water allegedly helps - would you agree or is that apocryphal?

 

[Lorielus]

Thanks for the responses all.

Unfortunately some really bad news to report - she passed away last night. I examined her to see if I could see any sign of anything wrong, but there's nothing I can tell. She isn't as chubby as the other hens - is it possible her pelvis maybe hasn't widened as it should as she's group and she's become impacted?

 

[andreanar]

Ive just seen this post and was going to recommend that you take her in and give her back end a wash and soak and check her vent area really well. It isn't really normal for her back end feathers to be mucky. But Ive seen that she has passed. I'm sorry. Standing with her neck in and tail down indicated that something was going on with her. I would give your other chickens a check over. Check their vent areas, under wings. Looking for any creepy crawlies. Id also consider worms.

 

[Lorielus]

Thanks - I've checked everything I can think of (based on previous googling) - no sign of anything that I can see, no patchy feathers, no sign of mites, no loose/sticking up scales and definitely no wounds. I'd wondered about worms - couldn't see any sign in the waste, but they've been getting worm treatments in their food for three days once a month anyway.

All the other hens are fine and lively, though were noisey this morning - I'm guessing distressed by the passing. Just such a shame, she genuinely had a big personality.

 

[Brummie Pekin]

So Sorry for your loss she could have eaten something on accident which could have caused some internal problems.