Cull, Rehome, or Rehabilitate/Reintegrate?

[Altairsky]

I'm not sure if this has already been discussed, but if a vet is available, maybe ask if this behavior might be related to some sort of epilepsy/seizure and if there is any seizure medication that is safe for chickens, try and see how it goes.
Out of desperation I would try tryptophan which has a very calming effect on chickens, but I can't give you any dosage info. I purchased it for my chickens and ended up using it myself.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I think keeping her in her current setup is the least socially distressing option. I would either do this until she passes naturally or have the vet put her down. Passing naturally might be more distressing for you.

 

[thecatumbrella]

I'm not sure if this has already been discussed, but if a vet is available, maybe ask if this behavior might be related to some sort of epilepsy/seizure and if there is any seizure medication that is safe for chickens, try and see how it goes.
Out of desperation I would try tryptophan which has a very calming effect on chickens, but I can't give you any dosage info. I purchased it for my chickens and ended up using it myself.

I'll ask on Monday. I don't know much about seizures, but she's able to be knocked out of her episodes with any light physical contact. I'll look into the tryptophan, thanks!

I think keeping her in her current setup is the least socially distressing option. I would either do this until she passes naturally or have the vet put her down. Passing naturally might be more distressing for you.

I'm honestly not sure if she would ever pass from this, unless it became so bad that she could not eat or drink. She was almost euthanized as a chick because of this. Now she does pretty well for herself if she's not constantly having to look over her shoulder (or evade a mob). It's a really tough decision.

 

[GodLovesU]

I wonder if keeping her in a flock of bantams would help. She is a standard right?

 

[thecatumbrella]

I wonder if keeping her in a flock of bantams would help. She is a standard right?

No, they’re all bantams. 7 brooder-mates.

 

[GodLovesU]

No, they’re all bantams. 7 brooder-mates.

Ok, my bad.

 

[NatJ]

Willow is currently in our isolation pen next to the main run. She hates it. I feel horrible.

Her sister has the same problem, to a much lesser degree.

Have you tried putting those two in a pen together, without the mean birds?

Part of me wants to put her out of her misery.

That is what I would probably do, but I certainly see why you are trying to consider all the alternatives first. Permanent decisions cannot be undone later if you think of something else that "might" have helped

 

[Bawkbok]

I'm sorry your flock and you are going through this.
It's interesting that she was the lead chicken and now she's at the bottom of the order. Difficult to say if it's neurological or environmental / behavioral changes. I wonder what triggered the change.
It's a difficult and challenging set of circumstances and as others have mentioned, the entire flock is upset.
Do you know of anyone that could use a therapy chicken, meaning, they would make a house chicken pet out of her? Chickens of course, prefer to be with their own kind and living a life of an only chicken is not ideal. Wishing you the best.
We'll be curious to hear what the vet thinks.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Have you tried putting those two in a pen together, without the mean birds?

There are two chickens that will still accept her, so I've started to let them visit on her side of the pen. It doesn't last very long before they're ready to go back to the main area, but I can tell how much she enjoys having company.

Do you know of anyone that could use a therapy chicken, meaning, they would make a house chicken pet out of her? Chickens of course, prefer to be with their own kind and living a life of an only chicken is not ideal.

I think this is such a nice idea. Unfortunately, Willow is the last chicken that would sign up for such a job. She's barely tolerates me. But thank you for your kind words. I'll update after speaking to the vet.