weird chicken behavior

[atr04screw]

I have 4 chickens, 2 barred rock hens and a barred rock rooster, and a blue cochin hen. The BC hen is i guess what you would say at the bottom of the pecking order because she is normally last to eat, or get treats, etc. Last night my grandma went up to get the eggs after dark, and she thought the BC hen was dead because it was sitting in the laying box, in the nest, with her head drooped down. This morning I went out there and she was still in there, but she is definantly alive because she was clucking at me when I tried to touch her. She has been in there all day, and is still in there as I am typing this, so why is she doing this? I think she might be sitting on her eggs to brood them, but I'm not positive. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[atr04screw]

Also, what would cause my hens to have bald spots at the base of their tails? All three of my hens are missing a patch of feathers at the base of their tails, and I believe it is the result of pecking at each other, but I'm not positive.

 

[leadwolf1]

She is broody....

As far as the feather loss, check you chickens to lice/mites.

 

[bairo]

1st post sounds like she is broody
2nd post... hard to say. They could have mites, lice, etc. Base of tail is a common area if infestation. Also could be the rooster if you have one.

 

[bairo]

@ leadwolf...lol, I guess we were typing at the same time

 

[atr04screw]

So if I let her keep sitting on the egg/eggs, will she hatch some chicks? I've been looking to get a few more chickens, and honestly wouldn't mind her hatching some chicks. For the mites/lice, what should be done about those? Sorry for all the questions, I'm new to the chicken thing.

 

[bburn]

No more hens than you have it is most likely rooster damage....if the feather loss is on the top of her back where her tail feathers start. DE.....dust the roosts, put in nest box with the bedding and in their dust bath.

 

[leadwolf1]

If they do have mites/lice..you need to use Sevin powder and 'shake and bake' them in a pillow case. Wait 10 days and do it again.

Yes, if the eggs are fertile, she will hatch babies

Good luck!

 

[leadwolf1]

I saw our posts and had a good laugh!

@ leadwolf...lol, I guess we were typing at the same time

 

[atr04screw]

Ok, one last question (I think). How long will it take for her eggs to hatch if they are fertile? And are there any ways for me to tell if they are fertile or not? And do I need to do anything to the chicks if they do hatch? Thanks.