My chicken holds his head funny.....

[Chicks R Friends NOT Food]

I just got 2 roosters yesterday- the start of my flock. They are Jersey Giants if that helps. From what I was told one had been getting beat up pretty bad by hens/ another rooster. He likes to rest his head on his back is the only way I can describe it. He will also shut his eyes and rub his head back and forth like someone hugging themselves. I wouldn't be conscerned if he didn't o it all the time, but he does and it freaks me out. I know that the rooster hes with now is nice to him I just want too know if I can help him go back to normal. He even holds his tail really (unnaturally) high in the air all the time and occasionally falls over. I feel bad for the poor thing.

** As a side note does anyone know how to get chickens to go inside a coop at night? These ones don't like to and I don't know why. I get bit when I try to shove them in at night. There are too many predators around here for them to be sitting out at night. Trying to prevent future problems here and they aren't helping me out.

 

[Biddieacres]

Oh that poor guy. I hope someone can help with the head issue and the falling over.

As far as getting them in the coop at night, I was told to keep them in the new home for a few days until they realize it is their home. Usually at night they want to get high and get up on the roost. Once they figure out their home they should go in at sundown. Some throw some scratch in there and if you have a light in there they should go toward the light once it gets dark out. ( I never had a light and they still went in at sundown on their own) but only when THEY are good and ready.

I would keep them in there a few days.

 

[meezermom]

That is really weird with the roo - something you should talk to a vet about. Could be inner ear or neurological, you know?

I had the same prob with my girls originally - then we had a spell of bad weather & I locked them in the coop for a few days, which helped a whole lot! The other way I get them in is to "herd" them using an old longe whip that I was going to get rid of (kids tied too many knots in it for me to use with my horses...). Think of it as an extension of your arm.
Also throwing treats in the coop - scratch or bread or apples - whatever! - might be an effective bribe/reward to get them in the coop.

How many hens are you "juggling" to get in the coop?
Good luck!

 

[Chicks R Friends NOT Food]

No hens for right now. Trying to get some soon but i want them to get adjusted. It's just 2 roosters, but the normal one puts up a fight. He tries everything not to get in and when he does he tries hopping out before I can get his friend in or as I'm shutting the door.

 

[Biddieacres]

I found that if you try to get them in too early they won't go in! Just wait and see what time they go in. Once it gets dark they can't see and will want the safety of their coop. It may take a while but they will get the hang of it.