So I am new to this site and have tried googling but can't find anything. One of my chickens is soaked, only on the top of her feathers. There is no water coming in that we can find and all of the other hens are totally dry and fine. She also seems depressed and just sits in the nesting box while the others walk around, get food and water and sit on the roosting bar. We took her inside for the night where she seems to dry off and seem more chipper as well. Any ideas how she is literally soaking wet on the top and acting depressed? Is she socially awkward? We are just lost and feel terrible for the poor girl. Thanks!
Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined the flock! If she's sitting in the nesting boxes she could be broody. Can you try to post pictures? To affect only the top of her feathers and not below or her skin she's probably getting frosted. Like frost on a windshield.
If she was wet all night she could have gotten chilled. Keep an eye on her, make sure you don't have any leaks where rain can come in, wet bedding or maybe leaky water nipples if you're using those. Also, be sure you have enough ventilation in your coop.
Welcome to BYC. Glad you decided to join our flock. X2 on NorthFlChick's post. Make sure that your coop is draft free, dry, and well ventilated to prevent moisture from building up in it. Feathers are wonderful insulators and moisture is a much greater danger than cold. If you haven't done so already, definitely check out our Learning Center at https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center. There is lots of useful information there. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. I hope your chicken will be okay.
I think you should keep her inside for a few days - if she doesn't get all wet again - it sure points to something that happens in the coop or run. What is your weather like? If it's cold it could be from frost which melts as soon as she warms up. Do you have a dog that may be catching and mouthing her? That's leaves them wet with saliva.
Hello! Welcome to BYC and the coop! There's a lot of great peeps here! Feel free to ask lots of questions. But most of all, make yourself at home. I'm so glad you decided to joined the BYC family. I look forward to seeing you around BYC. It might be good to quarantine her for a time. Just in case she is sick.
