Odd behaviour from hen

[ManyQuestions]

Hey all,

Reposted from 'Behaviour' section.

Past couple of days she's not been too keen on coming out of the coop. Then when she does, she takes a drink, eats a little and stands in one spot with her eyes closed and neck retracted.
I've no idea whats wrong. She's not even that quick to come to me, usually shes up to me and clucking as soon as im out in the garden. Ive looked her over and all seems well on the outside. No change to feed or anything external to her.
Possibilities and suggestions welcome. I'm worried.

thanks

 

[Kittymomma]

Give her a good going over again and pay particular attention around the vent. She may be egg bound or possibly run down from parasites. In any case I'd bring her in where she can stay warm easily and you can monitor what she's eating/drinking and pooing. Try giving her some scrambled eggs for a quick protien boost.

 

[chookchick]

How old is this hen? Is she laying? If young, she could have coccidiosis. Could you please give us some more information about her?

 

[ManyQuestions]

Thanks guys

Checked the vent and its clean and clear.
Shes still laying, so not egg bound.

Shes a 14 month old RIR.
I've tried the egg, and also gave her some mealworms.

Still eating, drinking and pooing normally, but then stands away on her own, head in and eyes closed.

 

[grasjm36]

You know...thats how my favorite chicken is right now. Earlier this afternoon a believe a hawk dove down and pinned my barred rock Matilda. She got away with just a ton of feathers plucked from her. I found her wedged in between fences thankfully. I set her in the nest box after checking her over and how I think shes just sleeping off the shock. She gets up to eat and drink once in awhile, but otherwise is just sleepy like.

 

[ManyQuestions]

I wish I could say the same for mine Grasjm36, at least then I'd know, but i'm afraid where I am in Dublin, we dont have hawks or predatory birds of that ilk.
My girls and roo are out of reach from every predator...even the foxes, which we do have roaming around.

Its annoying and im annoyed.

I'll bring her in to the house tonight and see how she fares. Still the same tomorrow and its isolation time.

Hope yours perks up buddy

 

[Kittymomma]

I hope she's doing better and I hate to say this, but do a search on Mereks--It can show up a lot of different ways and unfortunatlel some of those fit your hen. Good luck with her, keep the updates coming.

 

[hoosier]

Have you tried coaxing her to eat with special treats? Maybe try some yoghurt if she will eat it - some of mine will, others detest it. Perhaps she is having trouble with her crop.? Good luck. I just had one with similar symptoms, but is fine now.

 

[ManyQuestions]

Yesterday, I turned over some soil for her, she got this 7inch worm. Usually with worms, she wolfs them in a second. this time she spent the best part of 5mins breaking it up to eat.

Gave her some more mealworms later, which she took her time on, as opposed to her usual method of practically inhaling them, as she eats them so quick.
Seemed to be a little more perky.

Today, more improvement. Its lashing rain and shes loving the worms coming up. Still a little withdrawn, but much improved.

Hopefully its not Mereks or any other disease/ailment.