My chicken keeps sitting down

[susan1981]

I have two chickens and I'm wondering if one of them isn't that well. She's laying eggs but the shells are really thin so the eggs that she lays are pretty useless. She seems ok but she's just sitting down ALOT. Is this normal chicken behaviour? My other chicken doesn't sit down this much. She's only about 2 so not very old.

 

[iwiw60]

What type of feed are they getting? Do you offer oyster shell to them as a supplement?

 

[susan1981]

They have layer mash and layer pellets as well as mixed seeds and they do also have Oyster Shells. My other chicken is absolutely fine but this one just keeps sitting down a lot and also has quite a red area around her back legs.

Just to add, my husband says that he's noticed she seems to be limping a bit as well.

 

[iwiw60]

Do you think that she might possibly be egg-bound? From your posts it almost seems she's "sitting down alot" maybe trying to pass an egg?

 

[susan1981]

But she is laying, she's never been a daily egg layer but she does lay eggs, they're just poor quality. Can they be egg-bound and still lay bad eggs?

 

[iwiw60]

Gosh, I wouldn't think so, but I'm not an expert...hmmm. I'm stumped. Have you asked over at this board:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/10/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures

Maybe they can help...I'm subscribed to your thread and will be anxious to hear what they say...wishing you well.

 

[susan1981]

Thank you. I will have a look over there. I really don't know much about chickens either!

 

[Stiggy]

Have you checked for bumble foot? It can make them limp and lethargic since it is painful

 

[iwiw60]

Have you checked for bumble foot? It can make them limp and lethargic since it is painful

Yes, good thinking. You never know with these girls..they can hide their injuries/illnesses pretty darned good. OP, check the bottom of your hen's feet for possible bumblefoot.

 

[susan1981]

Thank you. I will have a look, although I'm pretty sure from googling bumble foot that she doesn't have this. But I'll go and check.