Unusual peahen posture

[McIntosh1272]

The last couple days one of our peahens has taken on this posture with the tail feathers raised and the wings lowered. Her energy and alertness all seem satisfactory. Has anyone seen this and if so, does it have any significance? I am concerned that this may be a sign of trouble developing. thanks.

 

[new 2 pfowl]

Hello!
How old is your hen and does she have any other symptoms?
It is likely she's thinking about laying:
http://peafowlimagedatabase.weebly.com/hens-about-to-lay.html
...but it's a good idea to keep an eye on her...

 

[McIntosh1272]

new 2 prowl,

thanks for the reply.
She is 3 years old and has been laying eggs this spring. The last one was 2 days ago. Just came back from checking her. Was not interested in eating any of the treats we usually give and seems less energetic than the other birds. I reviewed the image database you referred me to. The last image indicated that if your hen looked like the picture she was in danger and needed immediate attention, but didn't say for what. thoughts?
Thanks for your input. we are novices and trying to learn from each new situation.

 

[new 2 pfowl]

So, that last image is of our peahen who was egg-bound and died.

If your girl goes too long without laying, this might be her problem.

A lot of peaparents seem to be having this problem this year, unfortunately.
You might take a look at this thread and see if it is of any help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/980241/another-egg-bound-hen

As you will see, the experts recommend that you check her vent to see if there is an egg there.
Lots of experienced peapeople here can give you advice about this problem!

 

[McIntosh1272]

OK, i now see that they are saying that she may be egg bound. i will investigate further

 

[enola]

Get in touch with casportpony, her knowledge of peafowl is true amazing.

 

[thndrdancr]

She is either egg bound or has broken egg in her vent. You need to make sure you bring her in in a pet carrier or something, steam helps them lay like a steamy bathroom. If she will eat, crush some Tums (tums are calcium) in scrambled egg with cheese. (Usually they can't resist cheese. . This is an emergency if she has gone two days like this.
Do you have calcium gluconate on hand?
When checking vent for egg, lube with olive oil will work. Use finger very gently, you will be able to feel egg. It's easy to break that egg which is very bad while your holding her so make sure you don't lift or carry her where her abdomen/lower belly is.

 

[new 2 pfowl]

Well (taking into account that I only have limited experience), if it has only been two days I don't think you have to panic, she may not have a serious problem.
But it seems best to check it out!

 

[enola]

My guess is this bird is SERIOUSLY ill. Is she eating or drinking at all? Do you know if she is pooping? If she is not drinking, after 2 days, she is dehydrated..... Which could be fatal if she is egg bound.

 

[KsKingBee]

What is your deworming schedule? When was the last time she was treated for cocci? Can you take a fecal sample in to the vet Monday for an exam? Seeing as she layed two days ago I would be mostly concerned with either worms or cocci.