Hen Behavior

[Johnscj1]

I’m at a loss here. Violet my Lavender Orpington has done this neck bobbing thing twice now about a week apart. Her comb is nice and red, eyes are clear, not hearing any respiratory issues, poop looks good. When this happens she doesn’t go eat with the others, she puffs out her feathers and just does this bobbing thing. She’s a year and a half old, I got her from Cackle hatchery and shes been vaccinated for Merricks. The other 3 hens are fine. What could it be?

 

[azygous]

It could be she has a crop disorder. Feel her crop. Does it feel overly full, squishy or lumpy? A crop should empty completely overnight, so if it's full in the morning, she likely as crop issues that need to be treated. https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/

The neck motion is a possible indication of an uncomfortable crop. If she does it only occasionally, she could have pendulous crop which is a condition where the crop hangs too low and the contents can't empty completely during the night. She may need a crop bra.

 

[Johnscj1]

Thank you. I will check her crop first thing in the morning and be sure it’s empty. New at this so I appreciate the information.