Our Easter Egger (Dragon) has always been one of the wiliest chickens in the flock; very active and generally nuts. Today, that changed.
While she's eating, drinking, and pooping normally, she seems to be exceptionally worn out. When we let them out to free range, she'd pick about with the others, but then suddenly stand still, puff up, and go to sleep (in the middle of the flock). She'd only really move to stain in proximity to the others, but then would go right back to snoozing while standing (sometime head under wing). I picked her up once and she snoozed under my arm, which is unheard of since she usually hates being handled. She went to roost about an hour before all of the others, too.
There is no other sign of illness and no evidence of injury. When she's moving, she's just as normal as can be, and everything seems alright. Then she just randomly conks out and did so all late afternoon/evening. The only thing going on in the flock is that we just got our very first egg from them this morning. We have no idea who laid it (guessing barred rock or the australorp), but they've all been squatting for a few weeks. Could Dragon's behavior be related? Do they ever seem inordinately tired when they come of age? This is our first flock of chickens, so we really have no idea.
If anyone has any ideas or possible explanations/ suggestions, all are welcome. We'll be keeping a close eye on her, either way.
While she's eating, drinking, and pooping normally, she seems to be exceptionally worn out. When we let them out to free range, she'd pick about with the others, but then suddenly stand still, puff up, and go to sleep (in the middle of the flock). She'd only really move to stain in proximity to the others, but then would go right back to snoozing while standing (sometime head under wing). I picked her up once and she snoozed under my arm, which is unheard of since she usually hates being handled. She went to roost about an hour before all of the others, too.
There is no other sign of illness and no evidence of injury. When she's moving, she's just as normal as can be, and everything seems alright. Then she just randomly conks out and did so all late afternoon/evening. The only thing going on in the flock is that we just got our very first egg from them this morning. We have no idea who laid it (guessing barred rock or the australorp), but they've all been squatting for a few weeks. Could Dragon's behavior be related? Do they ever seem inordinately tired when they come of age? This is our first flock of chickens, so we really have no idea.
If anyone has any ideas or possible explanations/ suggestions, all are welcome. We'll be keeping a close eye on her, either way.