Isabel Allen
In the Brooder
- Jan 9, 2021
- 11
- 39
- 46
Hi all,
My ex battery hybrid hen has been acting strange for about two days. This happens sometimes, especially with this hen, and usually it resolves itself. I always assumed it was a normal thing. Chicken behaves strangely for a day or so and then is back to her usual self. I'm now starting to wonder if it's not as normal as I'd hoped.
She is quite lethargic, she's decently receptive to her environment but won't move to look at things, she just turns her head. She doesn't forage much at all but I gave her some scrambled eggs (an all time favourite) and she ate enthusiastically. She was drinking too. She has occasional bursts of energy where she'll run up to people and wants to see what's happening. I also noticed her breathing strangely (could see her chest moving which is unusual but I thought maybe it's just because she's not moving as much so it's more noticeable). She'll normally stay in one place and sometimes shuts her eyes.
The weather has been fluctuating lately (I live in England so it's still very mild), and the flock has just been let out into the full garden again after bird flu lockdown. Could she have an upset stomach? They've been on pretty much pellets only for the last few months and have suddenly been let out to eat all sorts. I haven't seen any droppings that look unusual.
I can't take her to the vet today, and vet doesn't see chickens often so I'd rather treat at home if possible. Still, I will take her if it's necessary. Is this kind of behaviour normal in older chickens? She's only about three but as I said she's an ex battery rescue..
If anyone has any suggestions I'd be so grateful x
My ex battery hybrid hen has been acting strange for about two days. This happens sometimes, especially with this hen, and usually it resolves itself. I always assumed it was a normal thing. Chicken behaves strangely for a day or so and then is back to her usual self. I'm now starting to wonder if it's not as normal as I'd hoped.
She is quite lethargic, she's decently receptive to her environment but won't move to look at things, she just turns her head. She doesn't forage much at all but I gave her some scrambled eggs (an all time favourite) and she ate enthusiastically. She was drinking too. She has occasional bursts of energy where she'll run up to people and wants to see what's happening. I also noticed her breathing strangely (could see her chest moving which is unusual but I thought maybe it's just because she's not moving as much so it's more noticeable). She'll normally stay in one place and sometimes shuts her eyes.
The weather has been fluctuating lately (I live in England so it's still very mild), and the flock has just been let out into the full garden again after bird flu lockdown. Could she have an upset stomach? They've been on pretty much pellets only for the last few months and have suddenly been let out to eat all sorts. I haven't seen any droppings that look unusual.
I can't take her to the vet today, and vet doesn't see chickens often so I'd rather treat at home if possible. Still, I will take her if it's necessary. Is this kind of behaviour normal in older chickens? She's only about three but as I said she's an ex battery rescue..
If anyone has any suggestions I'd be so grateful x