Hen holding tail to side

[NitaAZ]

One of our hens (a brown leghorn) holds her tail to one side. She's still active and healthy and laying eggs. But is this an indication of something to worry about?

 

[ranchhand]

Does she hold it that way all the time? Probably just a quirky hen!

Try waiting until she roosts at night then check the whole south end for lice or mites. Just a wild guess, I've never had one do that.

 

[possumqueen]

If she does it all the time then it's the way she's made. In show chickens it's called a "wry tail," and it's a disqualification. Don't know why. As you say, she's healthy and productive, and that's all that matters, isn't it?

 

[NitaAZ]

Yep, she does it all the time.

I figured it was ok, but thought it might be an indication of something more serious.

The muscles on one side of the tail seem more developed that on the other side, so she's just being a funny girl. Working those lunges too much on side. ;-)

Nita

 

[Miss Kitty]

Myhen's neck staying turning to the left all the time. What is this? She is eatting. I tried to manually turn her neck/head to the right and she wouldn't let me and forced it back to the left. What's going on here??? Someone please give advice.

 

[NitaAZ]

For future reference, here's a pic of the hen.

 

[Country Heart]

I have one that does the same thing - I think it's just the way she is.

 

[EweSheep]

definately a wry tail. You do not want to breed her but it will not affect her way of laying eggs. Enjoy her!

 

[Miss Kitty]

Quote:
OK...tell me does the other two hens get this? I have separated her but during the day all three are together. I massage her neck, I can't really move or keep it to the right but I see her close her eyes and enjoy my massage to her neck and talk to her.

Is this contagious to the other hens>?

She started this all of a sudden but it's been going on for a week now and I see no end in sight for her. I feel bad for her.

 

[LucynPecker]

Whew, glad to find this. I was so worried about one of my Ladies. She carries her tail like that.