I have a 1 1/2-year old polish hen. Her name is Clover. Clover is a family pet and the closest chicken-member of our family. I got her from a neighbor whose flock was attacking her because she can't walk. She also can't be placed with my flock because of the same problem. She has severe problems with her ligaments and has seen a vet for this problem. The vet said that it is a genetic problem, possibly caused by inbreeding within the same flock. She can sometimes stand and flops around, usually eventually getting to where she wants to go. She has been living in a small cat bed in my bedroom for a year. She is very sweet and when I have a day off she spends much of it with me in a baby sling. Most nights she sleeps on a towel, under her blanket, next to my pillow. Obviously, she is very loved. Because of all the time I spend with her I notice when something is different with her.
Over the past 3 days, she has been making a lot of noises that lead me to think she may be in distress. She almost never clucks, but even if she did these aren't clucking noises like what my other chickens sound like. They are more like soft and continuous whines. She stops when I pick her up and put her in my bed, but then starts again when I put her back to her bed. I don't think its because she doesn't want to be in her bed, she seems to like it there. Its surrounded on 3 sides with mirrors and she has easy access to water and food, which are provided in feeders positions on 3 sides of her bed near her face when she props herself up. Something is different with her and making any noise is unusual for her.
I've examined her and don't find any soar spots, injuries, or anything else like that. She is eating and drinking normally. Her poop is normal. One reason she makes such a great "house chicken" is that she is so quiet. This is very unusual for her and she's been making these whining noises during much of her waking hours. I would very much appreciate it if anyone had any advice or suggestions.
The only thing I could think of is that she might be egg bound. She has never laid an egg but she's old enough. She can't raise herself up to lay an egg. I tried to feel around to see if I felt anything different but I don't really know what to feel for. Please, if you have any ideas, I would really appreciate your suggestions. She means a lot to me.
Thanks!
Kahni
Over the past 3 days, she has been making a lot of noises that lead me to think she may be in distress. She almost never clucks, but even if she did these aren't clucking noises like what my other chickens sound like. They are more like soft and continuous whines. She stops when I pick her up and put her in my bed, but then starts again when I put her back to her bed. I don't think its because she doesn't want to be in her bed, she seems to like it there. Its surrounded on 3 sides with mirrors and she has easy access to water and food, which are provided in feeders positions on 3 sides of her bed near her face when she props herself up. Something is different with her and making any noise is unusual for her.
I've examined her and don't find any soar spots, injuries, or anything else like that. She is eating and drinking normally. Her poop is normal. One reason she makes such a great "house chicken" is that she is so quiet. This is very unusual for her and she's been making these whining noises during much of her waking hours. I would very much appreciate it if anyone had any advice or suggestions.
The only thing I could think of is that she might be egg bound. She has never laid an egg but she's old enough. She can't raise herself up to lay an egg. I tried to feel around to see if I felt anything different but I don't really know what to feel for. Please, if you have any ideas, I would really appreciate your suggestions. She means a lot to me.
Thanks!
Kahni
