Is my hen sick? If so, with what?

[black_cat]

I might be *very* paranoid but is this hen sick? Is it just dirt? I don't think that there have been any obvious behavioral issues, but I've only had them for about 2 days so I have no idea what their normal is. Is this hen sick or is there just dirt on her beak?

If she is sick I don't know what I'll do,like I said I've only had them for 2 days but I can't bear the thought of losing one!

 

[Vickischics]

It's ok about the small run after all, it's your parents place and I understand.
We just wanted you to get a good up close look at the face. I'm sorry your going through this stress with your new chickens. It's a learning curve for you and you ARE doing the Best you can.
Any time, you have concerns about one of the chickens, you always need to take pictures of what your concerned about and the poop. Plus, any information you can give about the chicken such as age, what it eats what does the poop look like.
Since these chickens have been passed around before you got them, you have to prepare yourself the best you can because they maybe already sick or have problems and that could be the reason others have not kept them.
You are doing a great job by watching them, taking pictures, asking questions ect. You are off to a good start as a chicken keeper. If they do get out, more than likely, they will come back because your the Momma Hen with food! Just rattle the food and call Chick-Chick and they should come running.

 

[Vickischics]

You already know they need more space but, you've done a great job with what you have. I like that your sitting out there watching them while reading a John Grishom book. As your hens do enjoy your presence even though you can't hold them yet.
The best thing, is to keep them with fresh water and layer feed. If you give them fruits, veggies or treats, you will need to give them grit/oyster crumbles. Its pretty cheap.
Otherwise, you made them a very nice coop.
Keep us posted and read all the different subjects on here to learn.
And...don't forget to ask questions but, you need to always attach pictures so the experts on here can look at them, ask you Lots of pertinent questions so they can answer your concerns. Ok?

 

[Isaac 0]

Looks like maybe some feces/dirt/gunk has accumulated and stuck to the feather follicles. Does it come off?

 

[black_cat]

Looks like maybe some feces/dirt/gunk has accumulated and stuck to the feather follicles. Does it come off?

I don't know, they won't let me touch them and it is WAY too small a setup for me to even get in the run. They aren't afraid of me in general, but I don't think it would go well to try to touch their faces.

 

[black_cat]

What can I do?

 

[Isaac 0]

Go in there, grab her, either with your hands or a fishing net. And see if it comes off with a moist cloth.

 

[black_cat]

I went out to check on her again and it is gone from one side of her beak, but the other looks the same. I'm assuming this means it can come off?

 

[Isaac 0]

Yep, probably scratched it off with her foot.

 

[black_cat]

Is it anything to worry about? These hens have cycled through several different people before coming to us. I can't see house they could have gotten sick in two days with us? Are there ways that that could happen?