cold hen? something not right...

[maryzee]

Just gone out to check my hens this morning, had a frost last night, 3 of them are completely fine, hut one is really puffed up with a pale face, she doesn't feel cold when I picked her up but I am worried she is not right. She still hopped up onto the coop roof and did pick at the corn and meal worms that I gave them but she seems slow compared to the others who were madly pecking around. I don't know what to do, do you think she is cold? They all sleep huddled on the perch at night, I have no way of heating the coop but make sure its draft free and loads of bedding to insulate it. Any advice? Thank you

 

[ChickenCanoe]

They don't need heat unless they're sick.

 

[JonB]

How cold is it wherever you live? Is she molting? Our SLW is molting, and she has pale comb, wattles and puffs up here and there. I live in northern Michigan, so our birds see good winter weather. They've handled it well.

Seems a molt can make them a bit apprehensive and moody. I'd just keep an eye on her.

 

[maryzee]

She isn't molting, I think last night it was around minus 4 celcius.

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

Whenever i have a chicken who is puffed up or seems off, i bring them inside so i can watch them more closely. Sometimes i put a heat lamp on one side of the cage i keep them in. Give lots of protein, like mashed hard boiled eggs and mealworms. Check closely for mites or lice. Sometimes they just need a couple days to recover and make themselves right. Other times there are other things going on like respiratory infections, reproductive issues, or cancer. But keeping her inside for a couple days will give you a chance to keep a close eye, and for her to heal without struggling to keep warm.

 

[maryzee]

I am worried I will stress her by parting her from the other hens, do you think it will be ok?

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

When a chicken is sick they really are not concerned with being with their flock mates. The most important thing is getting them better.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

She isn't molting, I think last night it was around minus 4 celcius.

-4 C isn't really that cold for chickens. It was -23 C here this morning. Mine are in buildings with huge open windows on both east and west walls.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

When a chicken is sick they really are not concerned with being with their flock mates. The most important thing is getting them better.

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