Hen fell over sideways and acted drunk. Now she's fine. What happened?

[NicInNC]

I was outside with the chickens throwing scratch out to them and my almost 1 year old OEGB grabbed up a piece of grass. Then she started clucking really loud, fell over sideways, rolled over and stood with her back end really low...like her legs couldn't hold her up. Then she pooped a large poop (which was completely normal looking in color, texture, etc) and tried to take a few steps, but was acting drunk. I stepped forward to pick her up and she let out a loud yell, went flying the opposite way and just stood there. I picked her up and held her for a couple of minutes.

Now she is acting completely fine. What in the world happened?

 

[horsejody]

Maybe she strained her neck or back a bit and has since recovered.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Could it be a seizure?

Or she may just have seen a "predator" and was freaking out.

 

[NicInNC]

Quote:
You know, right before that happened, a hawk was in a tree nearby and let out several loud yells. Hmmmm....you think that would cause her to act the way she did though?

 

[Cetawin]

If you were a chicken and hawk would eat you...you heard one yelling...what would you do? freak out? I would. LOL

Keep an eye on her but she is probably fine. It sounds like she was startled.

 

[M@M@2four]

Did she plop over like she was dusting?? Cause my hens are notorious for juct flopping over to take a dust bath or sunbathe!!

I look out the back window and still freak out thinking one of them is dead, only to see them get up moments later! lol