Moved to a new coop - Sleepy hen is SICK!

[amscrib]

Hi BYC folks! Last weekend my husband and I re located our existing chicken run to a new place in the pasture. All 5 hens are eating/pooping/drinking normally. 4 of them are laying (the EE chooses not to lay regularly during the winter). However, we noticed that our Brahma hen is really sleepy....I mean REALLY sleepy! When I let the girls out in the afternoon to forage she stands wherever they are scratching and falls asleep. So asleep that I walked over and picked her up (she does not like to be handled so this was the 4 time in a year that I've ever touched her!) and she fell asleep in my arms. Still eating, drinking, pooping and laying....no sneezing, no discharge, nothing.

Is this the result of stress? Is this normal? Should I worry?

 

[BuffOrpington88]

I think that you don't have to worry right now. I agree, it sounds like it may be from the stress. It is good that she is eating and drinking normally, I would just watch her and make sure she doesn't lose any weight or start coughing or anything else like that. If you'd like, some electrolytes may help her a little, or just giving them treats like fresh fruits and veggies may give her a little energy. Other than that, I would just wait and let her acclimate to the new surroundings.
Good luck!

 

[amscrib]

Thanks! I'll let you know how she does...

 

[amscrib]

Update on "sleepy chicken".....She is not just sleepy, she is sick. Now, when it gets too light out she tucks her head under her wing. No improvement in the last week. She stopped laying. She's no longer eating or drinking (much). She is now in a separate crate so she doesn't get picked on or run over. I dusted her with DE in case of mites/lice (although I didn't see any) and I ivermectin wormed her. Giving her electrolyte and probiotic water with a dropper. Also tried to entice her with cat food but she'd only eat the gooey stuff when I rubbed it on her beak. Her crop feels empty and I don't feel anything abnormal in her belly/vent area.

Rest of the flock seems normal - laying fine, pooping fine, etc.

Any last thoughts? I think I'm losing her