Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[MaryJanet]

Hi Bob and fellow chook-friends

I’ve got a question about chooks that nap a lot. Bob, was it Patsy who was sleeping a lot during the day not long before she passed away? Has anyone noticed any of their chooks who really dig a good nanna-nap without being unwell? Chickie still seems to nap a fair bit, even standing up! I’m wondering if it’s cause for concern, or it’s just how she’s passing the time when there isn’t much free-ranging to be done.

All three of the older hens snooze quite often, mostly sitting down although Sandy snoozes standing up. Quite often means 4 or 5 times a day for 15 minutes. The pullets don't seem to snooze at all, but they're still exploring.

I'm very curious to read about other hens because I also worry that they're sleeping too often and might be unwell.

 

[LozzyR]

All three of the older hens snooze quite often, mostly sitting down although Sandy snoozes standing up. Quite often means 4 or 5 times a day for 15 minutes. The pullets don't seem to snooze at all, but they're still exploring.

I'm very curious to read about other hens because I also worry that they're sleeping too often and might be unwell.

Chickie just seems to nap more than the other two. Lucy will sit on the top step for ages, but she’ll be awake. Charlie likes to sit in the garden, but she’s usually awake when I look at her. I guess all I can do is monitor her.

 

[ValerieJ]

Mine all take naps, except for the two pullets. Especially after eating. They aren't long naps. They usually preen first.

 

[Shadrach]

Hi Bob and fellow chook-friends

I’ve got a question about chooks that nap a lot. Bob, was it Patsy who was sleeping a lot during the day not long before she passed away? Has anyone noticed any of their chooks who really dig a good nanna-nap without being unwell? Chickie still seems to nap a fair bit, even standing up! I’m wondering if it’s cause for concern, or it’s just how she’s passing the time when there isn’t much free-ranging to be done.

If I see a chicken napping a lot here I have concerns about their health.
The first thing I check for is coccidia. A poop check can help.
I would give a general health check, mites, egg laying etc.
Chickens do nap, it's where and when that give health clues.

 

[LozzyR]

If I see a chicken napping a lot here I have concerns about their health.
The first thing I check for is coccidia. A poop check can help.
I would give a general health check, mites, egg laying etc.
Chickens do nap, it's where and when that give health clues.

Should I get the vet to a fecal float or should I just treat them? I’ve still got some Amprolium in the cupboard.

 

[Shadrach]

Should I get the vet to a fecal float or should I just treat them? I’ve still got some Amprolium in the cupboard.

I would get a fecal float done before treating.
If for example it's worms then knowing which type is important. If your hen starts to go downhill before you can get the fecal float results then treating with Amprolium would be my first action.
It may well be nothing, but if you've recently noticed and you are generally attentive regarding your flock, then such things (closed eyes is also a sign of discomfort and pain) can be a good early indicator of a problem. I've caught coccidia early a few times just by noticing a chicken looked a bit tired.

 

[BY Bob]

It's great that Lilly's looking out for Aurora.

With the rain we've been having, I'm thinking that the girls don't have enough shelter for when it gets really wet.

Here are Tsuki, Edwina and Pepper sheltering under the new coop

View attachment 2021148
As you can see, it's not very roomy and they are getting wet from splash back.


Deana and Alice took refuge in the old coop. As it is flooded, they are on the roosts inside, so no portraits I'm afraid!

View attachment 2021149

You have gotten a lot of rain. I sure hope that the fires are being put out by it. I hope Deana and Alice survived their ordeal OK.

 

[BY Bob]

Hi Bob and fellow chook-friends

I’ve got a question about chooks that nap a lot. Bob, was it Patsy who was sleeping a lot during the day not long before she passed away? Has anyone noticed any of their chooks who really dig a good nanna-nap without being unwell? Chickie still seems to nap a fair bit, even standing up! I’m wondering if it’s cause for concern, or it’s just how she’s passing the time when there isn’t much free-ranging to be done.

The first sign that Patsy was not feeling well was her overall lethargy. That included sleeping while others scratched around her.

I would advise that the weather can also cause them to lay around. In the cold heavy rain yesterday they just laid around under the coop or went in the coop to scratch around a little.

Hattie, who is always looking to eat and very active did this all day yesterday.

Patsy was sleepy in bright sunlight and did not move as quickly when she did move and scratch. It was an overall slow down in nice weather.

I would wait for a sunny day and watch then. Hopefully you have one soon.

Comparing her to other hens and their behavior can provide insights as well. If she's older she could be a little slower but I never really noticed any difference in energy level until Patsy was actually ill.

 

[BY Bob]

Winter has Returned

We are below freezing here now. This is what I woke up to.

And this was Hattie's reaction under the coop.

She had to be out of the coop but was not interested in scratching at all.

 

[mixedUPturk]

Who wants to see my quail hatchlings?