My hen makes a head & neck motion similar to when a dog throws up after eating grass , what is this?

[Juju2773]

My hen has started making this weird whole body motion similar to when a dog is about to throw after eating grass. She does not throw up, just the motion. She seems fine and normal but ive never noticed her doing this before and she does it several times a day. Its just weird so i was wondering if anyone else has ever seen this? Shes a rather large lavender orpington. I keep thinking possibly maybe shes over weight and has to balance out every now and then. Not sure.

 

[Juju2773]

This is her. Violet.

 

[JedJackson]

I am not sure either but I would post it in the medical emergencies forum just to be sure. The folks in there are the best at helping with unusual behavior that might be a sign of trouble.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures.10/

 

[Lady of McCamley]

She's trying to get the grass down her crop. Chickens don't throw up like mammals do.

Eating grass is not a good idea as it tangles in the crop risking an impacted crop.

If she is constantly doing this, you need to check for an impacted crop. Gently massage her crop to make sure it isn't very hard, or very squishy, which is sour crop. Make sure she has grit to help grind things in her crop.

If impacted, some olive oil droppered into her mouth with gentle massaging afterwards can help move something stuck.

LofMc

 

[Juju2773]

Thank you for the useful information but theyre enclosure has been totally turned to dirt. They dont go out to free range often. Maybe once every two weeks. I have to send them out in small groups of five at a time because we have alot of predators and neighbors with cats. Hawks are the worst here. Weve recently lost quite a few.

 

[Juju2773]

Thanks. I did.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Sounds like she's adjusting her crop.
Check the crop first thing in the morning before she eats/drinks to make sure it's emptying.

Do you provide grit for your hens?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/