Resting on hocks-Normal?

[deemathes]

Is it normal for chickens to rest on their hocks sometimes? I have a White Orp doing it, and the last bird I had do it ended up getting pretty sick. Any input is certainly welcome, please! Do your chickens do it? I was thinking she is just resting as she does it in the heat of the day when she is pant-y and she is the most feathered hen out of all of them. (And the heat has been extreme here in NC) She is also the only one who will hold her foot up on occasion, like a flamingo. Either foot, she doesn't favor, and her feet look healthy. (no bumblefoot). Just trying to nail down normal behavior so when something abnormal pops up I can treat it quickly. Obviously new to chickening. Thx for the help!

 

[GitaBooks]

All chickens are individuals, and that may be a way she rests when she is hot. However, it may be pointing to a more serious illness like a bone problem, not enough calcium, not enough vitamins, or a number of diseases that lead to walking on the hocks. Try offering her a source of calcium and some vitamins.

I hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[deemathes]

Thanks for weighing in! She isn't walking on them, just resting. I would say like she doesn't want to put her belly on the ground like the others because she needs to "air out". LOL!! I put poly vi sol in their waterer about every other time I clean and refill it. She is about 13 weeks, so they get chick crumbles to eat. I will be watching her closely. She's perfectly normal today. We had a break in the humidity, and it is a bit cooler. No one is panting. Happy momma!!!

 

[GitaBooks]

I'm glad she is doing better!