What is wrong with my chicken?

[lauralc18]

We are very new to chickens, and our first little flock is about 15/16 weeks old. We free range in our fenced in back yard during the day. Today I went out to throw them some treats and our yellow sex link would not come out of the bushes. Upon closer inspection she had made a nest in the mulch. Of course my curious 2 year ran up to pet her because she was so still. She didn't move at first (very unlike her to be docile) and when she finally got up she was waddling and kind of fell over. She was really pruning her back a lot too so I really thought a hawk had unsuccessfully tried to snatch her. This went on for about 10 minutes, the waddling, limping, falling over. Then when I checked on her again, she's running around like normal, eating, like nothing ever happened. This isn't egg laying behavior is it? And isn't she way too young anyway? I have a video of the bizarre behavior but I'm not sure if I can upload vids on here. Thanks for any insight for us newbies!

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Sounds like she may have been dust bathing! What they do is find a nice spot in the dirt somewhere and dig a shallow hole and roll around in it. They sort of go into a trance and can wobble around after standing, especially if she was rushed for treats!

Here is a Barred Rock taking a dust bath...

They can look a bit sick or funky if you have never seen them dust bathe before. LOL

BUT...just the same, keep an eye on her and if you do see her act this way and she is not in the dust bathing mode, be sure to post in our emergency section for help.

Great to have you aboard and welcome to our flock!

 

[lauralc18]

Thank you! I knew about dust baths but didn't know about the "trance like" state. That explains everything!! Thank you!!!!

 

[TwoCrows]

Thank you! I knew about dust baths but didn't know about the "trance like" state. That explains everything!! Thank you!!!!

I had a quail hen that every time after dust bathing, she stumbled around as if she was having seizures! LOL I thought at first she was, but she just got so "into" her bath that it took a while to come out of it.

Enjoy your flock!

 

[lauralc18]

I had a quail hen that every time after dust bathing, she stumbled around as if she was having seizures! LOL I thought at first she was, but she just got so "into" her bath that it took a while to come out of it.

Enjoy your flock!

After my initial thought about the hawk, I thought "Do chickens feet fall asleep?!" Hahah You learn something new everyday with the's little guys!!! Thanks!

 

[TwoCrows]

LOL....the learning never stops. My flock keeps me on my toes all the time and teach me things nearly every day. And each bird has it's personalities and ways too! They will train you up well over time! Ha!

 

[drumstick diva]

Reading your intro, I got scared too, thinking maybe she had a stroke. But, they really do get "blissed out," with their dust bathing.

 

[Casper101Popcor]

After my initial thought about the hawk, I thought "Do chickens feet fall asleep?!" Hahah You learn something new everyday with the's little guys!!! Thanks!

Chickens are very interesting creatures indeed

First time I saw my pullet dust bathing, my first thought was: Oh no, she's ruining the grass!
Hope you have fun, and welcome to BYC! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

 

[TwoCrows]

Chickens are very interesting creatures indeed

First time I saw my pullet dust bathing, my first thought was: Oh no, she's ruining the grass!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!