What is wrong with my Chicken?

[loraa]

I am a new chicken owner and picked my chicks up on National Chick Day, April 7, 2012. I have 2 "easter chickens" 1 RI Red and 1 Black Sex Link. We beleive the Sex Link was a little older than the rest, due to her size. Yesterday, all the pullets were acting normal. Today, the Sex Link refuses to come out of the coop. This is not her typical behavior. She is usually the first one out "Momma Chick" in the pecking order. I don't think she is old enough yet to be getting ready to lay her first egg. What could possilbly be wrong with her. Any help would be wonderful. Please help.

 

[HappyHenMama]

We really need more info in order to help you out here. Could me nothing, could be she's not feeling well. Go in the coop and check her out. Is her nose or eye's runny? Is she limping? Is her comb and wattles in good condition? Check for these things and let us know.

 

[loraa]

Her eyes and nose appear to be fine and she is not limping. I got her out of the coop to inspect her and when I put her down, she went to the water bowl, got a few drinks, then just stood there puffed up with her neck down for about five minutes. Then she went back upstairs into the roosting/nesting area. Now she is just sitting on a roosting bar with her feathers all puffed up again.

 

[HappyHenMama]

Feathers fluffed...not usually their "normal" roosting stance? I'm baffled, but she could definately be sick. Keep an eye on her and try to check her droppings. Look for yellowish runny poop. That is a sign of Cocci. If that's what she has you can pick up medicine at your local feed store...or medicated chick starter.

Good luck.

 

[loraa]

Should I seperate her from the rest of the pullets?

 

[HappyHenMama]

It wouldn't hurt to seperate her. If she's sick chances are the others have already been exposed...hard to say, but it would make it easy for you to monitor her and check her droppings.

 

[HappyHenMama]

Also, watch to make sure she is eating and drinking like she should be. If she's not eating well, try hand feeding her.

 

[loraa]

Thank you. I will try your suggestions.

 

[HappyHenMama]

Just thought I would check on you and your girl. How is she doing?

 

[AmyLM]

I'm sorry I don't know where your located... but my birds also aren't coming out of the coop due to the heat. They are too hot outside so they are hiding inside where its cooler. That's just a thought....