Strange Acting Chicken!

[xXChickenTenderXx]

We have a chicken that has recently started acting strange. We got her and eleven other chickens in late April, so they aren't even a year old. This particular chicken is a barred rock. She used to have a sassy, snappy personality. Recently, she has been staying under the heat lamp in that we put in the run (which we have because we frequently get negative temperatures) , walking slowly, is always puffed up, and hasn't been going after treats like the others. When I hold her, she practically falls asleep in my arms. Any recommendations or ideas of what may be happening?

 

[nuthatched]

Has she laid an egg recently? How is her feed? Any other symptoms?

 

[xXChickenTenderXx]

I am not sure about the eggs, I will make sure to watch for her. She also hasn't been going on the roost at night, which I just noticed. She walks a little weird, but it isn't quite a limp.

 

[kurby22]

With the weird walk it might be a sign she’s egg bound? Maybe a warm Epsom salt bath? See how she acts after that? I am having issues with puffed up sort of lethargic chickens and I think it might be coccidiosis. You might look for signs of that too if it’s not related to her eggs.

 

[-Flash-]

Maybe photos would help?

@Eggcessive? @Wyorp Rock? @TwoCrows? @azygous?

 

[azygous]

We need photos or even better, a video. We need your location as it can figure into the equation. How cold has it been?

What do you feed? Are you certain this chicken is able to get her share at the feeder?

For starters, to rule out weakness from hunger, give her some warm sugar water with electrolytes to drink. See if that perks her up.

Feel her abdomen. Is she swollen mostly under her vent behind the legs? Is her abdomen distended in front of and between the legs?

 

[xXChickenTenderXx]

I will try to get a pic when it lighten ups. She has been eating well. They are all on an organic diet, with many treats. It is frequently in negative temps. I would rather not share where we live, but we barely get anything above 20. In the coop, we have a red heat lamp that turns off for an hour after two hours of being on. In the run, we put up clear, plastic tarps that we use to block out wind. We also have two heat lamp and a water heater.

 

[xXChickenTenderXx]

With the weird walk it might be a sign she’s egg bound? Maybe a warm Epsom salt bath? See how she acts after that? I am having issues with puffed up sort of lethargic chickens and I think it might be coccidiosis. You might look for signs of that too if it’s not related to her eggs.

It is too cold for a bath. I could do it in the garage if its necessary.

 

[kurby22]

It is too cold for a bath. I could do it in the garage if its necessary.

Yes, it’s too cold to get them wet unless you can blow dry them afterwards. Low heat and not too close with a hair dryer if you have one works great. If not, I’d keep it inside to keep it dry and warm.

 

[lilmillefleur]

It is too cold for a bath. I could do it in the garage if its necessary.

I wouldn't bathe unless you're certain she's egg bound. I hear bathing can be harmful to a stressed/sick chicken.