squatting hen

[jgilliatt]

I have six black jersey giant hens. They are about a year old and have been wonderful. For the past week, one hen has been 'squating'. I don't know how to explain it more. She can't seem to stand up straight on her legs. She even walks in a squatted position. Hee thighs seem visably very large but it might just be because of the squat. She is still eating fine, moving around and is able to get up on the high perch in the coop.
Judi

 

[nivtup]

Does she do it when you are not near?

She might be squatting for breeding?

 

[tammye]

do you think she is having a hard time walking? if so give her some chicken vitamin solution in her water, sometimes older hens can have difficulty walking due to a vitamin deficiency, it may take up to two weeks to cure her if this is her problem, she should be keep separate form the others until you know she is not sick and can make the others sick, also they may peck at her if she seems different to them.

 

[jgilliatt]

She is squatting even when I am watching from afar. How do I give her vitamins? This is my first flock.
I thought about the 'squatting for breeding' but she always in the position. It forces her to waddle.