Weird Behavior (remember, I'm new)

[KnARanch]

I had a scare tonight Poe & Violetta were in a part of the run none had ventured to before. The others were in the near the door of the shoop, eating grass. I got closer and P & V seemed to be struggling! I went into the run and as I got down to touch them, Poe got up but Violetta turned onto her side and was kicking her feet! Roxy came over and started pecking at her butt feathers! I shooed her away and a I did, V got up and ran.

I realized they had made holes to sit in and were dusting themselves But, what i don't understand (and neither does hubby):

1. Why were they acting injured?
2. Did Roxy peck V out of bullying, jealousy, or
3. Are V - and Poe? - sick?

With Roxy being a different breed and wanting to be Queen Chicken, she's always tried to boss around V and Dove. But this seemed mean

Help

 

[nuthatched]

Normal sunbathing behavior, they're always a little woozy coming 'out of it'

 

[KnARanch]

Normal sunbathing behavior, they're always a little woozy coming 'out of it'

Oh I hope so! It's been quite humid last 2 days.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Lol, I about had a heart attack the first time I saw a chicken dust bathing! First she lay really really still in a hole so deep I could only see her head and I thought she was dead. Then she started thrashing around and I was sure she was dying! I ran out to rescue her and she sat up and looked at me like, What's your problem? Then she got up, shook the dust out of her feathers, and marched off with head held high like the Queen of Sheba.

 

[KnARanch]

Lol, I about had a heart attack the first time I saw a chicken dust bathing! First she lay really really still in a hole so deep I could only see her head and I thought she was dead. Then she started thrashing around and I was sure she was dying! I ran out to rescue her and she sat up and looked at me like, What's your problem? Then she got up, shook the dust out of her feathers, and marched off with head held high like the Queen of Sheba.

Well, ok then

Did other hens peck at her while she was "bathing"?

And thank you

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Well, ok then

Did other hens peck at her while she was "bathing"?

And thank you

I don't remember the others pecking at her. Sometimes they all dustbathe together. Maybe check your hen to make sure her butt fluff is clean, and check her vent carefully too. Usually if other hens are vent pecking, there's a reason.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I missed part of your original question. They do look "injured" when they are lying on their backs, using their wings to try to distribute the dust into the deepest recesses of their bodies, deep under their feathers, where it can absorb old oils.... they rub around on the ground to scrub themselves (aaaah, that feels soooo good!)... the kicking may help get it up between their legs.. then when they stand up and shake it all flies off in a big cloud and it's like they've had a marvelous bath. It all comes off, leaving their feathers scrubbed and fresh. Well. For a chicken.

 

[KnARanch]

I don't remember the others pecking at her. Sometimes they all dustbathe together. Maybe check your hen to make sure her butt fluff is clean, and check her vent carefully too. Usually if other hens are vent pecking, there's a reason.

Now I have to figure out what a "vent" is Thank you!

 

[ChaosMom]

Now I have to figure out what a "vent" is Thank you!

The vent is the exit hole from which everything comes out (poop, eggs.)

 

[KnARanch]

The vent is the exit hole from which everything comes out (poop, eggs.)

Ok. Well.... that will be a great four Hubby!