Ill broody hen

[yon100]

Hello,
I have a broody hen (mixed) sitting for about 10 days. Four nights ago it rained and though she was protected directly from above, in the morning I saw that here feathers were wet because of rain the came from the side. Yesterday's morning and this morning I found her with her tucked under her wings (duck-style). Does this mean she is ill? Assuming she got cold during the rainy night, how can I save her and what treatment should I give? Should I stop the the brooding so she can eat? She did not go up to eat even before the rainy night.
I would highly appreciate your help.
Yonatan

 

[sylviethecochin]

I think that she's sleeping and you're panicking.

If I sneak into the coop at night, that is how my chickens have their heads--tucked under their wings. Healthy chickens are hardy enough to ignore a little wet. Maybe do something to the shelter so that it stops rain in future.

And she's almost certainly getting up to eat. It's just that she's only doing it once or twice a day, and you're not seeing it.

 

[yon100]

Thank you sylviethecochin.
I have never seen my chickens do that at night. In the first morning it was more that one hour after sunrise. Might it simply be because of her being broody and not ill?
Do you have a suggestion of what to check in order to verify she is ok?

 

[sylviethecochin]

Thank you sylviethecochin.
I have never seen my chickens do that at night. In the first morning it was more that one hour after sunrise. Might it simply be because of her being broody and not ill?
Do you have a suggestion of what to check in order to verify she is ok?

As I said, I expect she's just bored of sitting and has taken the opportunity for a nap. Chickens don't really get colds. rhinoviruses don't affect them, and respiratory infections usually take more than a single night of mild rain to set in.

But to reassure yourself: is she breathing alright? Is her temp about 107 F? EDT: actually, nix that second part; broody hens raise their body temp. So only start to worry if it's below 106.