"UPDATE page 2" Sleepy Chicken...Is this Normal?

[Biddieacres]

My 10 week old EE chicken has been acting different for about a week now. While the rest are running about the yard together, she stands still alot with her eyes shut most of the time. She also sleeps standing up. Is that normal? Even on the perch she is standing a lot instead of sitting down.

When I brought them all out to the yard this morning one at a time, they felt warm and were happy to see the yard and ran off singing. Her feet felt cold and I put her down where she just stood still again.

The others are never sleepy during the day. They rest together under a tree once in a while, but for the most part are busy all day.

I thought maybe it was the heat, but I don't think it is THAT hot. Plus, all the others are not phased by the heat. I also bought grit thinking she wasn't getting enough from the yard. She ate some, but still just standing. Also, I have her water with electrolytes and yogurt. Running out of ideas. Anyone else go through this?

Thanks so much in advance for any input!

 

[arlee453]

Definately unusual behavior. Since it's just the one chicken too, it seems like something about that one, rather than some weird illness going through the flock.

Any other symptoms than the lethargy? Any signs of parasites like mites or worms?

It sounds like you are doing all the right things to support a weaker chicken. She's not old enough to start having trouble with egg laying...hmmm....might just be something internal or congenital.

 

[Biddieacres]

I haven't thought of the worms. Thank you. Do you know what the name of the med for worms? Maybe I will go to the feed store today. Your right, I was just thinking she is too young to think of an egg laying problem. hmmm

 

[MsBentleyboy]

I've had a few chickens with this "sleepy" behavior too. I discovered my problem. I have a roost for them and occassionally a chicken will fall off and sit at the bottom of the roost all night. Chickens have a difficult time seeing so when this happens they stay there until morning. When I open my chicken house door and find them down there I'll help them out and watch them for a while. I'll see them standing around closing their eyes as if they are really tired, which I'm sure they are!

All of my chickens seem sleepy during hot summer days though and will lay around during the hottest part of the day.

 

[lurky]

I have just one doing the same thing. Its been about 3 or 4 days now. I saw her stagger a little one day....that was the hottest. I put vitamins in the water. I dont know what else we could do with no other signs from them

 

[rooster0209]

I had one hen that did the same thing. Slept standing up with her head tucked under her wing. She did this for three days, occassionally eating & drinking.

I found her dead yesterday

 

[Biddieacres]

Oh my gosh I am so sorry your hen died. I keep hoping this will pass since my 8 year old is so attached to "Pretty Girl". She is so sweet and beautiful.

 

[lurky]

After reading what happened to rooster's hen (sorry for your loss) i went out with more vitamin water and she looks good. I was a little worried. Here in New England its cool at night and in morning, but during the day gets really hot lately. I sure hope it was just the heat

The worst day she had like that was the hottest too. Biddie, i imagine its even hotter there so i hope your is just stressed from the heat too

 

[Biddieacres]

maybe she is. Do you think I should bring her in and separate from the rest? Also, do I use Terramycin for worms? Sorry for all the questions, I am new to this.

 

[rooster0209]

I hope the vitamin in the water helps. I dont have anything like that. I am new to the chicken thing. My husband grew up with chickens. We feed medicated feed so he didnt think antibiotics were needed.

I am not sure what happened to my hen. She is approx 10wks old. I noticed that the feathers on her head were looking a bit ruffled too. I wondered if it was from sticking her head under her wing while she slept.