Pullets suddenly sitting all day

[Owain1]

Hello again,

Another question. My ten (3.5 month old) pullets have always been active and get very excited when I go near the run because I give them treats.

Yesterday I let them free range for several hours. After about 6 hours they had all gone into the run and were sitting on the ground. This morning I let them into the run and they all came out and just sat around. They don't look unhealthy, it just seems to be a behavior change.

It's just they all started doing it at once. I threw in some treats and they ate them. They just didn't seem that excited.

I'm a little concerned they ate something that's made them sick. Or is this just because they are getting closer to laying.

Note: it's slightly colder now, but not that much different than last week.

Thanks for your help.

 

[feathermaid]

That does seem really strange. My birds are always excited every time I approach their yard hoping for treats or to be let out to free range. Although it's not uncommon for them all to return to the run and hang out quietly after a just few hours of being let out, they still get excited to go out the next day.

If it's very cold where you live, they could just be conserving energy or want to stay put after fluffing their feathers to stay warm. Pullets close to laying aren't any more or less lazy than any other birds so I don't think that's the reason. You can tell when they're close if they stop and squat when you reach for their back.

Be careful about giving too many treats, especially with growing birds, it's so easy to overdo it! Treats can take up valuable space in the crop and take away room for much needed nutrients from their regular feed. Try to feed only 2 or 3 times a week or less than a tablespoon per bird. If not free ranging daily, be sure to also have grit available.

I really hope they're not sick and they'll start acting normal again soon.

 

[aart]

This morning I let them into the run and they all came out and just sat around. They don't look unhealthy, it just seems to be a behavior change.

Were they lounging in the sun?
My birds often lounge around after the morning hustle and feed.

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