I have a RIR hen that has been lethargic for the past few days, she sits in the coop most of the time or burrows down in the straw in the run and sits. I have no idea how old she is but do know she has not laid for the last year. Today I saw one of my other birds, that I thought was a hen (lack of hackle or saddle feathers) mount the RIR, which surprised me as my Buff Orpington Roo is the king of the coop and every male that has hatched, he has fought, so I guess I am wondering if the bird in question is a hen that was just being dominate or do I have a subdominant rooster that has managed to get along with my main roo? I guess it has just been my experience that two roosters wont get along when hens are present.... I will try to get a photo tomorrow so hopefully some one can say roo or not..
Have you checked over the hen for any injuries? Checked her for vent gleet, any odd breathing, gasping wheezing sounds like she is bubbling from nose or chest? Does she have any strong disgusting odors from either end? Is her crop empty in the morning, does it feel soft and mushy, or solid and full? Any drainage from mouth, nose? Are her poos normal? I would check her over to make sure she doesn't have anything that can transfer to rest of flock. Even ck for parasites on skin or worms. As for the mounting I would post a pic of that bird maybe a roo in disguise, or a hen being dominate and harassing the other.
