Rooster is acting strange

[SamJ]

Hello everyone,
I am a new chicken owner and have a question about my rooster. I really had no interest in owning chickens but one day a family member showed up with some baby chicks and I am a very hands on person so I couldn’t help myself but to take over haha. I have 8 hens and 1 rooster and they are about 17 weeks old. They have plenty of space in their run and are always very active when I go out to see them. But today my rooster was acting strange. I went out to the run and he was laying down and not moving much. His eyes are open but he’s been laying around for hours which is very unlike him. He looks healthy as could be with no missing feathers and he’s breathing fine as well. Also, when I got very close to him he got up and walked away so I know he is able to walk around. The only thing that has changed recently is that I have started implementing new feed into their diet. But it isn’t effecting any of the other chickens? Help

 

[sourland]

By any chance is it layer feed ? If so the higher calcium layers may be causing kidney issues. Flock raiser with oyster shell on the side might be a better choice.

 

[SamJ]

By any chance is it layer feed ? If so the higher calcium layers may be causing kidney issues. Flock raiser with oyster shell on the side might be a better choice.

Thank you for the feedback, yes the higher calcium is in the new feed. But it is not effecting any of the hens? I will still try your recommendation and see if it helps. Do you have a specific flock raiser you prefer? I will attach photo of rooster for anyone who may want to see.

 

[SamJ]

Here is picture of him, I have isolated him from others because it seemed like they were picking on him as he was just laying there.

 

[aart]

The only thing that has changed recently is that I have started implementing new feed into their diet.

How long ago?
Not sure layer feed would affect a male too quickly.
May be something else going on here.

 

[SamJ]

How long ago?
Not sure layer feed would affect a male too quickly.
May be something else going on here.

I changed their food about a week ago. He is the only one acting strange. No signs of sickness also he is not missing feathers or bleeding. I have checked his feathers and just as expected there doesn’t seem to be any fleas, mites, or lice. I built them a chicken bath and they each get in there. He looks completely fine he just isn’t walking around.

 

[aart]

Not moving around and isolating is a sign for concern.
If he doesn't perk up when you change the feed back to flock raiser( I like Purina brand, had worked well here for 7 years)you might think about isolating for observation.

When I have a bird that is acting off I isolate bird in a wire cage within the coop for a day or two....so I can closely monitor their intake of food and water, crop function(checking at night and in morning before providing more feed), and their poops. Feel their abdomen, from below vent to between legs, for squishy or hard swelling. Check for external parasites or any other abnormalities.

Best to put crate right in coop or run so bird is still 'with' the flock.
I like to use a fold-able wire dog crate (24"L x 18"W x 21"H) with smaller mesh(1x2) on bottom of crate under tray.
Then you can put tray underneath crate to better observe droppings without it being stepped in. If smaller mesh is carefully installed, tray can still be used inside crate.

 

[SamJ]

Not moving around and isolating is a sign for concern.
If he doesn't perk up when you change the feed back to flock raiser( I like Purina brand, had worked well here for 7 years)you might think about isolating for observation.

When I have a bird that is acting off I isolate bird in a wire cage within the coop for a day or two....so I can closely monitor their intake of food and water, crop function(checking at night and in morning before providing more feed), and their poops. Feel their abdomen, from below vent to between legs, for squishy or hard swelling. Check for external parasites or any other abnormalities.

Best to put crate right in coop or run so bird is still 'with' the flock.
I like to use a fold-able wire dog crate (24"L x 18"W x 21"H) with smaller mesh(1x2) on bottom of crate under tray.
Then you can put tray underneath crate to better observe droppings without it being stepped in. If smaller mesh is carefully installed, tray can still be used inside crate.

Thanks for the advice, I certainly will consider taking those steps! Also, is there anything you’d recommend doing with the other 8 hens? They all look fine and healthy, but I really wouldn’t want this to start effecting them.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

If a chicken isn’t laying eggs, don’t feed it layer feed. The other hens might not be showing symptoms of anything so the rooster might just be a bit weaker and not able to handle it as well.

 

[SamJ]

If a chicken isn’t laying eggs, don’t feed it layer feed. The other hens might not be showing symptoms of anything so the rooster might just be a bit weaker and not able to handle it as well.

The chickens should begin laying eggs by the end of the month (according to the timelines I found on the internet). So, should I wait until I see an egg to start feeding it layer feed? Thanks