Odd behavior

[Sophie442]

I posted in emergencies about hens having weird droppings, but I have a slo-mo video of a neck stretching looks like gagging thing my hens are doing ALOT. I have had hens before and this is a first. Also, they are debeaked and I didn't know they were gong to be.

Shoot...it's a video...is there any way to upload this?
Sonya

 

[Sophie442]

Or if I could send it to one of you....id really appreciate the help.

 

[azygous]

If your hens' poop is watery and scant, they may be experiencing sour crop. Feel the crops on these hens. If they feel full and soft and squishy, that could be the problem. Sour crop also robs the appetite, so these hens may not be eating much, either, if this is the problem.

 

[aart]

The stretching of the neck with mouth open is pretty normal...adjusting the crop...unless they do it constantly.
What and how exactly are you feeding?

The poop pics you posted here https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1130676/warning-poop-picture-what-is-this
could be normal intestinal shedding...or could be coccidosis.
Sounds like your birds came from a questionable source and they will need careful care to regain their health.

Debeaked birds need to have feed that is deep enough to scoop up as they are unable to pick up small pieces off a hard surface.

 

[Sophie442]

Thank you!

The stretching if the neck is too frequent for my liking....I wonder if it has to do with the debeaking? Maybe they can't break the food up? I don't know...

My hubby said today they are looking much better since coming. They're gaining weight and calming down a bit.

These birds seem smart, but they seem odd to me.i suppose they were in a crowded barn their whole lives, so as annoyed that I am that they have been a problem, I'm glad they can have a good life now.

The center I got them from went in with another feed center and didn't realize the debeaking etc.