Hens look like talking or catching invisible flies

[Ozzy Chicks]

Hello This is my first question posted here as I can usually find answers... I have had very free range ex batts for a long time but these girls have only been with me 2 months... All seem very healthy... The other day one started snapping beak in air occasionally and thismorning I found two others doing it. It almost looks like they are talking or catching invisible flies... Does anyone know what this is? They are eating and drinking fine, Thank you!!

 

[drumstick diva]

They may very well be catching flies or small gnats. How long does this behavior go on? If it's continues for quite awhile, I would rule out bugs. Have you checked them well for lice or mites, that could be biting them and causing that behavior? As ex-batt hens they may not have received much personal attention, and could also have internal parasites.

Too bad you can't shoot a short video of them so we can see what they are doing. Maybe other responders coming along will have more to offer.

 

[Ozzy Chicks]

Thank you, I have checked for mites and dusted them a month ago... I have checked their gizzards and they are normal... I know usually in factory's they give them vaccinations and worm them but I haven't wormed them..... Its the only thing I can think of?

 

[Ozzy Chicks]

Also it has been happening on and off yesterday and today... Maybe do you think bring them in and monitor?

 

[nj2wv]

welcome to BYC !!

 

[mymilliefleur]

 

[enola]

Battery hens are seldom wormed when they are in production. Egg producers would not want to have to throw away eggs for 2 weeks during withdrawal period.

So I would guess unless you have wormed them since you got them, they have not been wormed.

 

[Ozzy Chicks]

I was investigating, would gape worm maybe cause this? I'm going to get a wormer today...

 

[enola]

What wormer did you get? Wazine will not treat gape worm. Can you get a video of how your hens are acting?

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC!