hen just sits down when outside in play area

[KLSH]

I have a hen who all of sudden has started to sit down when ever she is out in the play area as well as when she is outside of the coop/play area. I had two other hens who did this and with in about3 weeks of starting this sitting they were found dead in the coop. The last time this happened was about 4 months ago and the time before that about 4 earlier. I am now concerned because I don't want to lose another girl. I have asked at my local feed store and other people I know who have chickens and no one has had an experience like this. The hens seemed normal in all other ways except they just want to sit around when out of the coop. The only,y other thing I have noticed is the decline in egg laying. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Is it hot where you are at? Could be she's trying to cool off in the dirt. Otherwise lethargic behavior is pretty vague. Were the hens that died the same breed or related to her?

 

[jennyf]

I had a hen also sitting down in the run. Brought her inside, soaked her bottom, gave tums and yogurt and within 24 hours she passed a nasty shell-less egg. Since you've had multiple hens with the issue, it probably is something else though. How hot is it where you are?

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC...sorry you're having troubles.
Did you examine the deceased birds...maybe had a necropsy done?

More info on age of birds, breed of birds, how old they were/are, where you got them, what is your climate/location, how they are housed...etc,etc,etc.