Moody chicken

[LindaWonder]

One of my four saintly chickens is acting strange. She seems lethargic and she is staying somewhat aloof from her sisters. All four hens are 6 or 7 months old. Earlier today I noticed her making a gulping gesture. She stopped doing that. She looks big and fat. She just ate a few pieces of grapes. I was about to take her to the vet---but now she seems fine. Any ideas or help. I've never had chickens until the pandemic. They have a great environment...

 

[Lady of McCamley]

There are so many things it could and could not be.

At this point, continue to watch her. If she continues to gulp, check for obstructions in her airway and more importantly crop. An impacted crop will feel very hard. An infected crop will feel squishy like a balloon. A normal crop will have food present, often in a tight ball, but something you can seem to palpate a bit. It shouldn't be rock hard.

Then watch for any bubbling at her eyes or raspy sounds. That might be viral or bacterial infection.

But birds gulp in the normal course of life just to get stuff down their gullet, so that in itself is not worrisome. More worrisome is if she remains lethargic. If so, then you should check her over.

At this age, she may be close to lay, so some lingering at the nest is to be expected. If she is already laying, then she may be molting (makes them cranky) or considering broody (makes them cranky).

My thoughts.

LofMc

 

[LindaWonder]

Dear LofMc: This is incredibly helpful. Thank you so much. I will watch her and check her.
XXX, L.