Hen drooling, not lethargic.

[HunterRanch]

My RIR has been drooling for a couple of days now. Nothing too bad it seems. The drool she has that drips from her beak will only hang about an inch or so before she shakes it off. However, it is mostly apparent as tiny spit bubbles around her beak when she's pecking at the ground etc. But this is not a constant occurance. The mucous seems clear and has no smell that I can tell. She does not appear lethargic. At this time I cannot determine if she is eating and drinking regularly but she was clearly interested in the cucumber I just fed her. Since seeing this, I have begun supplementing water with apple cider vinegar. She hasn't laid an egg in months so I doubt it has anything to do with that (getting hold of her to check would be quite the experience and I'm fairly certain our roo would viciously murder me). She received a bath a couple days ago with a bit of natural dish soap (after I first noticed the drooling) (was lucky roo didn't get to me for that). It has been particularly hot here recently, in the high 80s to mid 90s. She free ranges and has access to water, crumble, and dusty dirt in the shade. Her droppings are healthy. Crown is red and standing as usual. Any ideas?? Everything I read about chickens drooling says something about them being lethargic and then dying.....

 

[QueenMisha]

Quote:
This is probably the cause. In hot weather, birds will sometimes drink enough water to fill their crops with water to combat the heat. But if they lean their heads down, or the crop is squished/poked when full, they will puke up the water. I've been puked on by many a chicken when handling them on a hot day.