Hen coughs only when I'm around

[tone3822]

This is a new hen and it's been 3 days.

I thought she was sick because she was constantly coughing but then noticed she only does it when I'm around.

I went out of sight and sat there for 20 minutes and she did not cough one time but as soon as I came in the pen she starts coughing immediately.

Any ideas???
She otherwise seems healthy.

 

[Pyxis]

Do you wear a scent or smoke? Those are really the only things I can think of that could be causing her to cough only when you are around.

 

[tone3822]

I do not wear anything or smoke. She does it when anyone goes around her.

 

[Pyxis]

Well, that is very strange. I'm not sure what could be going on. Perhaps someone else will have an idea of what it is

 

[Teila]

Hhhm, that is a bit bizarre.

My only thought was that it could be more of a warning noise than a cough?

Being a new hen and getting to know you it might be her way of communicating her unease?

Hopefully she will stop when she gets used to her new surroundings and learns that you are a friend and not foe.

 

[chickens really]

Are you sure it is a cough?.....My Speckled Sussex greets me and makes strange sounds all the time when I first go into the Coop...She follows me around the yard making strange sounds....I never thought anything of it....


Cheers!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

I also was wondering if it was really a cough. You could always record it and post so we can see....