legarthic, droopy, with neck feathers sticking out - What is wrong?

[tackyrama]

I have two chickens that are acting very legarthic and with their neck feathers sticking out. Crop is empty. They are buff orpingtons less than 1 yr old. They are free range but have been inside for two days since the cold weather set in. One of the orpingtron hens has the same symptoms to a lesser degree. This is a mixed flock so the orps are to some extent "picked" on.The rest seem to be just fine. Please someone tell me whats wrong??

 

[ivan3]

As the signs/symptoms you describe could be any number of things. I'd seperate out the two puny ones and bring them in (low light/quiet/warm) and observe how much they're eating/quality-quantity of stool, activity level, etc.

Also additional protein (scrambled eggs, etc.), and the usual supplements (electrolytes and vitamins):

1 1/4 teasoon sodium chloride (NaCl, common salt)
1 teaspoon sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
rounded 1/2 teaspoon potassium chloride (commonly called "Muriate of Potash". Salt substitutes contain mostly potassium chloride)
2 tablespoons glucose (a common source is corn syrup)
1/2 gallon water

Polyvisol without iron: 5 drops a day for a week and then taper off.

If you observe this behavior in more of your girls, or the puny ones exhibit more specific symptoms please post it up!

Good luck!