Does anyone know what this movement is?

[greggooo]

Does anybody know what my hen, the black EE, is doing? She has been doing this for the past couple of weeks at night. I have read on here: a possible crop adjusting, a neurological issue, and sour crop. She seems fine and is laying eggs. The only issue I know of is that she gets pecked by the others a little and has lost some feathers on her back recently.

 

[Goose girl1]

sorry don't have a clue

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Usually they raise their heads up when adjusting the crop. It's possible that what she's doing but it doesn't look like usual movement that I see. She could have something wrong with her. Have you listened to her breathing? Sometimes other birds will pick on an unwell bird, but if she's laying than generally it means they are fine. Without any other symptoms I wouldn't worry too much but would keep an eye on her.

 

[aart]

Is there a sound associated with that movement?
Does she only do it at night?
Is her crop 'over' full when she does it?

You might want to put her in a crate over night, with water but no feed, so you can check her crop in the morning to make sure it's emptying completely. Will also allow you to check her poops.... which can indicate a problem, or not.
This is how my crates are rigged for observation:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...rates-a-good-tool-for-every-chickeneer.72619/

 

[chickens really]

Are you tossing out corn or scratch before bed?...Crop looks full and not enough water drank...

 

[greggooo]

Are you tossing out corn or scratch before bed?...Crop looks full and not enough water drank...

I am. I have read several places that when it's crazy cold, cracked corn before bed helps them stay warm. Don't know if that's true or not. I will try to give her water.

 

[chickens really]

I am. I have read several places that when it's crazy cold, cracked corn before bed helps them stay warm. Don't know if that's true or not. I will try to give her water.

That corn theory is all hype and just feed and water as usual..

 

[greggooo]

That corn theory is all hype and just feed and water as usual..

aart said the same thing. I have cut it down quite a bit. People talk about it everywhere online.