Sitting or sick?

[violetgriffith]

when our chickens were just moved out to the coop, they would sit and cuddle a lot during the day (this was 60-70˚F days), but they never really sat down in the winter unless it was raining or snowing. they would always peck around, or just stand all poofed up. It's getting warmer here (50-60˚F days) and they are sitting more, and one of our chickens who survived an illness was sitting yesterday. I was just a little concerned that she was sick again, because that was her main behavior when she was sick. So my main question is: Is it normal for chickens to sit down during the day in the shade or sun and just sit there? They're not sick or anything? Thanks!

 

[H-B-O]

Can you get a close up or does she run??

 

[violetgriffith]

Can you get a close up or does she run??

She jumps up, I think she assumes I have a treat of some sort.

 

[coach723]

What illness did your bird recover from? How long have they been in the new coop?
Yes, it can be normal for them to sit for periods. They will walk around and look for food and do chicken things, and they will have periods of rest too. If they are sitting all the time, then that could indicate a problem. On hot days, they may sit more due to the heat, but you should still see plenty of normal activity in between. If you go out there, do they come see you to see what you have? If they are still getting accustomed to a new coop they may be less active as they may not be fully comfortable in their new surroundings.

 

[H-B-O]

is she walking at all?? What breed is she??

 

[violetgriffith]

We don't know what illness she had. One day she just didn't come off the roosting pole, and she was very lethargic with her eyes closed. We brought her inside and she stayed inside for 9 days, then we brought her outside and he has been perky and jubilant ever since. They have been in the new coop for about 10 months. I wonder if the sitting is because they still have their winter plumage and are just hot...

 

[violetgriffith]

she's walking. she is a white faced black Spanish.

 

[coach723]

Chickens don't have winter and summer plummage, they get new feathers once a year at molt, which usually starts to happen about 18 months old (it can vary). When temps rise with the season changes it can take them some time to adjust, so if it's suddenly warmer, they may not be adjusted yet. Since you are concerned, I would give each of them a full body exam, check for lice/mites, check body condition/weight. Make sure they are eating and drinking normally, crops are all functioning normally, droppings are normal. Make sure there is no discharge from eyes, nares and beak, and no wheezing, sneezing or coughing.