Fairly new to this and not sure if I need to be concerned or not!

[lindz8504]

I have about 4-5 pullets walking around this morning holding their wings out from their bodies. When I walk to them to pick them up, they straighten up and scamper off not making it easy to get a hold of them. There are 3 that I can usually pick up with no problem. They are 19 weeks old and no one is laying just yet. I still have them on starter feed since they haven't started laying yet, and I can only get starter or layer here. I did have to go to TSC to get feed the last time because we usually go to Southern states and they were closed. This new feed is medicated (my only option), and they have been on it for about a week. The Golden comets are the only ones doing this!

Is this something that I need to be concerned with?

 

[Suzie]

Mine tend to hold their wings out when they are hot... is it very warm where you are?

 

[Kelsie2290]

How hot is it where you are, they often do that when they are warm and trying to cool off. The medicated chick starter shouldn't be a problem.

 

[lindz8504]

It isn't overly hot... only 75 right now, and has been in the 80's this week. No one is panting or anything like that. Pretty much an average early fall day.

 

[danni c]

Try and get a shaded area for them and from something I read they like a sand bath which may help cool them down good luck

 

[lindz8504]

Try and get a shaded area for them and from something I read they like a sand bath which may help cool them down good luck

They free range and their coop is in the edge of the woods so it is shaded. I don't think it is heat.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Weird. Have you managed to catch one and look it over? Can't think of anything else if it started this morning, a bunch are doing it, and they aren't acting sick otherwise, besides them being hot / stressed from something. You didn't start the new feed this morning or in the last day or two from what you said, the feed and their water etc look fine? How does their poo look? Any other odd behavior?

 

[lindz8504]

Weird. Have you managed to catch one and look it over? Can't think of anything else if it started this morning, a bunch are doing it, and they aren't acting sick otherwise, besides them being hot / stressed from something. You didn't start the new feed this morning or in the last day or two from what you said, the feed and their water etc look fine? How does their poo look? Any other odd behavior?

No I haven't been able to catch anyone. I have been down there a couple more times, and they seem to be fine, and the last time, weren't holding them out anymore. I change the water 2-3 times a day depending on how dirty and or hot it is. Feed seems fine too. Poo looks pretty normal, maybe a little on the watery side, but nothing like I haven't seen before.