Sick chicken? Help!

[jnewb]

Usually my chickens are anxiously waiting for me to let them out of their coop in the morning, but today one of my girls, Rosie, didn't come out of the hen house. She was still roosted up top and didn't seem to want to come out. After a few minutes, she went down into a nest box where she has been ever since. It's been about 2 1/2 hours. She has her eyes closed and isn't sitting in there the way she normally does. I am concerned because she is normally the most outgoing in my flock, she is usually very vocal and active and just isn't herself. They are all usually very excited to eat in the morning and come running out of the coop. She hasn't had and food or water yet. All of the other chickens are acting normally and Rosie was too yesterday. Does anyone have any advice or have you encountered this before? I realize my worries may be premature, but this is very weird behavior for her. She is a Buff Orpington, about three years old, and laid a beautiful, healthy egg just yesterday.

 

[jnewb]

I just got Rosie to come out of the hen house and eat some hen scratch. When she first came out she was limping a little and holding one wing out weird. She seems to be walking normally now, but somewhat slower than usual. I am completely baffled. Could she have an egg stuck? We have a compost bin in the yard that the chickens pick at, has anyone had problems with their chickens eating stuff from the compost? I hope someone can give me some advice!

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!

She may have injured her foot/leg/hip, examine her closely for a wound or obvious problem on the leg she is favoring.

Pay close attention to if she's eatingdrinkingpooping OK....and for any other symptoms.

Have had a couple limpers with no discernible problem other than the limp, one that I crated for a few days to rest, can take weeks for it to be back to 'normal'.