Chicken Addition - sick Hen

[Brenchick]

Sorry, But I'm back again. One of my hens is just laying in a nest. She only moves out when I go to collect eggs. She is not sitting on any. Just almost like she is hiding. Any hints as to what's up with her? Just started 2 days ago.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What happens when you remove her? Sounds broody. They don't necessarily need eggs under them to set.

 

[Brenchick]

What happens when you remove her? Sounds broody. They don't necessarily need eggs under them to set.

She will move when I open the lid to check for eggs. Then she will eat something and go right back in. No eggs under her and always lays in same nest. I believe she is okay.

 

[Eggcessive]

Some hens will go to a nest box if they are sick, bullied, but the most common reason is that they are broody (wanting to sit on eggs.) Some do not even need eggs, and will sit on nothing. Take her out and give her a thorough exam. Broodies will pull out their breast feathers to brood eggs. They will walk around clucking with their rail held in a high inverted V. When taken far from the coop, they usually will run back to the same nest box, although some stop for a quick bite or drink, or even a dust bath. One of the easy ways to tell, is if you place an egg in front of them, they will pull each one under them. Lastly, broodies will sit and stare into space in a trancelike state.

If she does not fit any broody signs, look her over for lice or mites on her skin near the vent, feel of her crop to see if it is empty, full, hard, or puffy. Feel for weight loss, or an enlarged lower belly.

 

[Brenchick]

She will move when I open the lid to check for eggs. Then she will eat something and go right back in. No eggs under her and always lays in same nest. I believe she is okay.

Some hens will go to a nest box if they are sick, bullied, but the most common reason is that they are broody (wanting to sit on eggs.) Some do not even need eggs, and will sit on nothing. Take her out and give her a thorough exam. Broodies will pull out their breast feathers to brood eggs. They will walk around clucking with their rail held in a high inverted V. When taken far from the coop, they usually will run back to the same nest box, although some stop for a quick bite or drink, or even a dust bath. One of the easy ways to tell, is if you place an egg in front of them, they will pull each one under them. Lastly, broodies will sit and stare into space in a trancelike state.

If she does not fit any broody signs, look her over for lice or mites on her skin near the vent, feel of her crop to see if it is empty, full, hard, or puffy. Feel for weight loss, or an enlarged lower belly.

 

[Brenchick]

These were free range chickens and I cannot get too close they will run so picking up and examining is not an option. There are no breasts feathers missing. I am hoping that this will stop in a few more days. I'll try putting an egg down. So what do I do if this is a brooding situation. Don't want her to suffer.

 

[MissChick@dee]

Some hens will go to a nest box if they are sick, bullied, but the most common reason is that they are broody (wanting to sit on eggs.) Some do not even need eggs, and will sit on nothing. Take her out and give her a thorough exam. Broodies will pull out their breast feathers to brood eggs. They will walk around clucking with their rail held in a high inverted V. When taken far from the coop, they usually will run back to the same nest box, although some stop for a quick bite or drink, or even a dust bath. One of the easy ways to tell, is if you place an egg in front of them, they will pull each one under them. Lastly, broodies will sit and stare into space in a trancelike state.

If she does not fit any broody signs, look her over for lice or mites on her skin near the vent, feel of her crop to see if it is empty, full, hard, or puffy. Feel for weight loss, or an enlarged lower belly.

 

[Brenchick]

I don't know if I'm posting in the right place. She came out on her own. All is well in the hen house!!!!!

 

[Eggcessive]

Glad to hear that she is out and about again.

 

[MissChick@dee]

Keep us posted. Glad to hear the good news