- Dec 29, 2014
- 6
- 0
- 30
Just looking for any insights. I came home today to discover a chicken I can't figure out what's going on with her. I have 8 hens (no rooster), all was fine yesterday, checked on them this afternoon for the first time today - it's been terribly cold here so I never opened their coop/pen this morning (they free range if above freezing). They've been shut up in a reasonably warm (38*F) chicken coop all day. 7 of the 8 were fine but one was hovering in the corner on the ground - feathers "up" (like she was cold) - eyes closed and will NOT open them at all encouragement (hasn't opened them for over an hour I've been watching her now) - small black spots (dried blood?) around her eyes and on her comb - tips of comb are white. Her mouth is constantly open and her tongue seems large? She won't eat or drink and startles easily (but still doesn't open her eyes then). She's young (9 months) and was laying eggs yesterday morning, so I just can't figure out what happened. They were outside yesterday and although I admit I was in a hurry when I checked on them at dusk last night, she seemed fine as she was roosting (up high) with her 7 sisters when I did a head count and shut them in for the night. I've got her isolated and in the house now in a carrying cage with food & water which she hasn't touched. Any ideas?