Tail down and looks very puffy, help please

[Ciqala]

One of my New Hampshire Red hens, about 10-11 weeks old, was holding her tail down and it looks really really puffy. I'm new to chickens, these are my first, and feel so clueless. Her vent looks okay, after figuring out what a crop was I felt her's and then the others... her's feels a little bigger, but not by much. These are some pics I took of her, versus the other little hens we have.






It seems, to my uneducated eye, that her wings aren't meeting over it like the others' do. I brought her in, she's in an over sized dog crate with just water {okay, and a stuffed animal}. She is NOT happy and is making sad peeps for her friends. Can I put her back out? Can anyone guess what this could be? Is it even anything? I couldn't feel any injuries of any sort. I appreciate any and all input. Signed a very worried, new chicken mom.

 

[nettifer]

One of my New Hampshire Red hens, about 10-11 weeks old, was holding her tail down and it looks really really puffy. I'm new to chickens, these are my first, and feel so clueless. Her vent looks okay, after figuring out what a crop was I felt her's and then the others... her's feels a little bigger, but not by much. These are some pics I took of her, versus the other little hens we have.






It seems, to my uneducated eye, that her wings aren't meeting over it like the others' do. I brought her in, she's in an over sized dog crate with just water {okay, and a stuffed animal}. She is NOT happy and is making sad peeps for her friends. Can I put her back out? Can anyone guess what this could be? Is it even anything? I couldn't feel any injuries of any sort. I appreciate any and all input. Signed a very worried, new chicken mom.

is she eating, drinking, walking ok? if she is i wouldnt worry !

 

[animall0v3r]

Have you considered sour crop? I have been around farm animals all my life (45 years but don't tell my age!) and I've never encountered sour crop. Is your hen "puffy" at her breast area? Is it hot to the touch? If so, possible sour crop. I'm dealing with that right now with one. Of my silkie hens.

 

[Nutcase]

I don't think it is something to be really worried about. I can see from the pics that she seems to be eating. My best guess is that she's having maybe a bit of a digestion/stomach upset and feels a bit unwell. If she still has an appetite and wants to be with the others, I'd put her back and see what happens. Keep an eye on her for the next few days.

p.s. gorgeous chickens you've got there!

 

[Eggcessive]

I think I would put her back out with the others and watch her. I can't see much wrong. By the way, I don't think that is a New Hampshire--it looks more like an Isa Brown or red sex link.

 

[Ciqala]

She's walking fine, saw her poop once - I honestly have no idea if she is eating/drinking fine, but I guess I'll find out while I have her in by herself. animallov3r, I have no idea what to consider as this whole keeping chickens thing is SO new to me.

 

[Ciqala]

Oh thank you folks, she's not happy and I've been awaiting replies to lock up the coop. I'll put her back and keep an eye her. TSC told me New Hampshire Red, so who knows lol.