Sick chicken??

[Fishtootsie]

Hi I am a new member/owner so please bear with me. I am not sure what is wrong with my chicken. She has been fighting a lot more in the last 3 weeks (she IS the aggressive one). She is isolating and now won't come out of the coop. Not sure if she is eating or not but will be able to watch her closer in the next 3 days to see. She seems healthy - body wise and no discharges or respiratory that I notice. She has pecked the feathers off the other 2 around their eyes/cheeks and hers are gone too. Christmas morning all 3 of them had dried blood from the breast up but none since. We have had some predator problems but watch diligently and none have gotten in(is she anxious?). We have had no eggs for 4 days (we have a light). Unusual. Does anyone have any suggestions? Thanks for any help - Fishtootsie.

 

[rebrascora]

That sounds like you have had a predator attack to me. Perhaps a hawk? Not wanting to leave the coop when she is the dominant hen tells you she thinks it isn't safe. And you have had a recent episode where all of them were bloodied and no eggs now being laid says they are traumatised/stressed.... You need to improve your pen security or risk losing them I think!

It might be a good idea to move the food and water inside if you haven't already.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She has been fighting a lot more in the last 3 weeks (she IS the aggressive one). She is isolating and now won't come out of the coop. Not sure if she is eating or not but will be able to watch her closer in the next 3 days to see.

She has pecked the feathers off the other 2 around their eyes/cheeks and hers are gone too.

all 3 of them had dried blood from the breast up but none since. We have had some predator problems but watch diligently and none have gotten in

Hi @Fishtootsie Welcome To BYC

Can you post some photos of all your hens and your setup?
How old are your chickens?
What breed are they?
How long have you had them?

If you have had these girls for a while, what has changed that would be causing 1 to be fighting alot within the last 3wks - have you added/taken away members of the flock, changed locations, food/water, etc.?

How much space in the coop/run do you have (square footage of each)?
What type of food/treats do you feed?

If she had not been eating/drinking and has isolated herself, then it's best to examine her closely for any injuries/wounds that may need medical attention. Try to get her hydrated, then see if she will eat.

Hopefully with more information and photos we will be able to give you better suggestions about resolving some of your issues.

 

[micstrachan]

Wondering about a predator myelf or possibly molting? Is anyone dropping feathers? There are so many possibilities. More information woukd be helpful. Good luck!

 

[Fishtootsie]

That sounds like you have had a predator attack to me. Perhaps a hawk? Not wanting to leave the coop when she is the dominant hen tells you she thinks it isn't safe. And you have had a recent episode where all of them were bloodied and no eggs now being laid says they are traumatised/stressed.... You need to improve your pen security or risk losing them I think!

It might be a good idea to move the food and water inside if you haven't already.[/QUOTE
I just did, thank you. I am also closing the chicken house door again. My coop is 6x6x6 1\2" mesh covered. The back of the house is outside the coop so they can hear anything outside. My girl came out yesterday for a little while while I cleaned the house. We moved the predator trap away from the coop too. Thanks so much for the advice.

 

[Eggcessive]

How many hours a day do you provide light? Is the light off at night so they can sleep?

 

[Lolacan]

I would check her super well for fleas that look like dots of dirt that won't scrape off.