Silkie's Odd Behavior-- Or lack thereof

[lashlsufan]

We received a silkie hen a little over a week ago. She is not laying yet (maybe 5 months old). She doesn't do much except sit in the coop all day long without hardly moving. We have taken her out a few times and put her in the run. We will come out a few hours later (after dark), and she is still sitting out there long after all other chickens have gone in for the night. I think we have watched her walk less than 10 yards the whole time we have had her.

We put her on a small roost (2x4 on the side) in there yesterday, and we have watched her lean over to reach the food but water is not in reach. She has not moved from the roost though (we have a web camera in the coop, so we are able to watch).

We are concerned she will not ever come out of the coop on her own (or ever come off the roost).

Is it possible she is sick? The other chickens have not picked on her... they pretty much act as if she isn't there. She doesn't run away when you come near... again, just sits there.


Has anyone else had similar problems with their silkies?

 

[groundpecker]

She may be stressed over being in a new location and around new birds. She has to find her rank in the pecking order.
Because she is eating and drinking, i would not worry too much.

If she is sick, you would probably see some signs, although there are certain diseases that show little symptoms.

 

[lashlsufan]

I just wanted to give an update on our silkie, Tina. We gave her a "haircut" on Thursday of last week and are amazed at her transition! Previously, she would sit in the same place all day without moving except to occasionally hobble to time food and water. She would not go in or out the coop on her and never interacted with the other chickens. It may all be a crazy coincidence, but I think not. She is a new bird... Walking around, interacting with other chickens, in an out the coop on her yesterday and today. I do believe she was unable to see (silkie's already have poor eyesight from what I have read), and the feathers constantly irritated her eyes. Therefore, if you are having any issues with your silkie including little movement, constant head twitching, no interaction, then I suggest trying out the haircut option. We did not go hardcore on trimming the feathers around her eyes, but it eloped significantly. I do not have any good pictures of the cut but would be willing to take some if anyone is interests.