Chicken Grunting - Translation?

[waywind]

Hi all,

My 7 - 8 month old orphington chickens have started this grunting sound whenever I'm around and to each other. It only just started a week or two ago, but now they constantly do it. Just wondering if anyone well versed in chicken-ese can tell me if this indicates contentment, upset or illness?

I have read some material about gapeworms and grunting, but I've picked one up and haven't heard any gurgling associated with just normal breathing. Also haven't seen an excessive amount of gaping (did see one of them do it a few times, but not since), so don't think it's this?

Chickens themselves seem fine, no other changes in egg laying or diet so far.

Google video link

Regards,
waywind

 

[Shezadandy]

My computer didn't want to play the audio - but I believe the darker of the two hens (not the Buff Orpington) is probably broody, given how she's all puffed out. Has she started staying on the nest yet? My very first broody went around for a couple weeks trying out her momma hen voice before she committed to the nest- I think that's what you're hearing. But again, I have no audio, just the visual.

 

[waywind]

Oh man, that makes so much sense! A literally just found the buff orphington in the nest box tonight! Thank you for your answer.

I just thought they were still so young haha. Wishful father thinking maybe. Looks like I'll have to cage her tomorrow and break it early!

Although my heart explodes when I think of possibly getting her a little chick to adopt...

 

[aart]

Yeah, that sounds like a broody cluck.

 

[Shezadandy]

Oh man, that makes so much sense! A literally just found the buff orphington in the nest box tonight! Thank you for your answer.

I just thought they were still so young haha. Wishful father thinking maybe. Looks like I'll have to cage her tomorrow and break it early!

Although my heart explodes when I think of possibly getting her a little chick to adopt...

Yay! Broody hen! Our very first broody hen was around 7 months when she went broody- for her that was her first and only time. =) Many of us wait until a hen has been on the nest day and night for 3 nights before considering finding her some fertile eggs to sit. If you've got access to day-old chicks, waiting until day 20/21 of her continuous vigil should be about right for the introduction- lots of great advice on here on how to do that successfully.

If it all works out, 2-3 chicks is a good number if you're not looking to add a bunch to your flock. As they work on gaining independence from the hen, then they've got cohorts to adventure with and their own little support group when she's done with the raising part.

First comes one little face.

Suddenly she'll sprout a bunch of little legs.

And it will be time to learn about the ramp.

Then comes the roosting lesson.