Floppy, light crest? Broody hen with no eggs?

[LoveHuevos]

One of my hens doesn't look to good. Her crest is lighter than the rest and it's just flopping over. I read somewhere that it's not a good sign. She's been a little slow the past few days and will stand there looking all sleepy. I have seen her drink, but when she goes up to her food, she just looks at it and doesn't seem interested in it. Is there anything else I should check for? What can I do for her?

My other hen seems broody, but she's not sitting on any eggs. She walks around all fluffy,makes funny sounds and hangs out by the nests. I wonder if she's mad at another hen who's sitting on some golfs balls I placed in the nest to try to keep them from eating their eggs? I can't get that other hen off the golf balls - I think it's time to take them out, she's not laying eggs.

Thank you!

 

[jenniferpowell]

I don't know how to help with her illness but my AG teacher taught me to put colored sprinkles (like you would use for cookies or ice cream) in their food and the bright colors make them want to peck at it more. and I usually cull broody hens to keep broodiness from spreading

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Lethargy is a bad sign in chickens. How long has she been broody? They do loose quite a bit of weight and can starve from extended brooding. They're also more susceptible to external parasites since they don't dust bathe as often as they should.

If you don't intend on letting her hatch eggs, you should break her. Put her in a wire bottomed cage, so air can get underneath her, with food and water. Leave her in there until she returns to normal.

Wetting her food might encourage her to eat. Or you could try some scrambled egg or some other high protein treat she really likes. Once she's eating that treat like a champ, start mixing her normal feed in with it, then gradually make it all chicken feed.

I do a lot of hatching, so broodies are treasured here! But, if you started your flock with egg production in mind, I can see why it would be a pain.

Good luck, I hope your hen is feeling better soon!