New to chicken

[reen]

I have a hen that eats and drinks. But she walks around with her tail feathers down and seems like she struggles to walk. It almost looks like she's bound up. The other hens pick on her. So I put her in our shop and she will roost at night. She doesn't seem to do much pooping. I'm feeding her cracked corn. Any suggestions would be appreciated ! Thanks Reen

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. First off, let me say that your chickens need 16% layer feed, not cracked corn which is only 8% protein. They need a balanced diet with all of the vitamins and minerals (especially calcium for laying.) Tail feathers down means she is sick. Struggling to walk can mean several things. Does she drag a leg, limp, or just move slowly? I would check her skin all over and under her vent for mites or lice and eggs. Dust her with 5% Sevin dust or Permethrin if you find any. Then I would worm her with SafeGuard (fenbandazole) horse paste or liquid goat wormer 1/2 cc/ml of either one. Check her crop in the morning to feel if it is full and squishy or hard--it normally should be flat in morning.

 

[gander007]

Alright and

it's great to have you here

Let's stop the cracked corn for now

Feel the bottom of your chicken for any hard spots, egg bound is what you are looking for

Yogurt, Rice, cut up apples, a couple of hardboiled eggs peeled and mashed then served

Put some Electrolyte and Probiotic in a gallon of water

Let's see if this makes a difference

gander007