What's wrong with my hen? Is this normal?

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by chad76, Apr 19, 2008.

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  1. Apr 19, 2008 Post #1 of 12
    chad76

    chad76 In the Brooder

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    Okay... I'm a complete NEWBIE. I have owned chickens for a grand total of 2hrs.

    I have 1 barred rock (5 months old) and 2 RIR (4 months old). I just put them in their new run. The RIR's are walking around pecking everything... they're very curious. But the barred rock is laying kinda sideways with one leg stuck out and holding the wing on that side out off and on (she flapped that wing a few times, too). She pecks occasionally at whatever is on the ground in front of her and if one of the RIR bumps her she might get up for a second. She drank some water and pecked a little, but goes back to laying on the ground. I'm guessing she's just tired, but I'm worried something wrong with her. My 4 yr old has already claimed that one... so I hope she's okay!

    Is this normal? Is she just tired? Or is this a sign that something ain't quite right with her? If it's nothing... I apologize for being such a newbie! [​IMG]

    Thank you!

    Chad
     
  2. Apr 19, 2008 Post #2 of 12
    wynedot55

    wynedot55 Songster

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    relax that hen is fine.laying with a wing spreadout is her way of sunning.as well as taking a dust bath.
     
  3. Apr 19, 2008 Post #3 of 12
    MissPrissy

    MissPrissy Crowing

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    Sounds normal to me.
     
  4. Apr 19, 2008 Post #4 of 12
    Matt A NC

    Matt A NC Crowing

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    Sounds like she is trying to take a dust bath. If she starts flopping around, slinging junk all over herself, then she is just dusting. They will do this in shavings, sand, dirt, or whatever they have. This is normal. They do like nice dry sand best. Mix in some ashes with the sand and you have a natural why to keep bugs off them.

    Now if she is laying still under a heat lamp or the sun with an outstreched wing, that is just a sunbath. Once she warms up she will switch sides or move to shade. Also normal.

    Matt
     
  5. Apr 19, 2008 Post #5 of 12
    cjeanean

    cjeanean Can't Decide

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    Mine do the same thing, even now as older birds. I think they're stretching and everything, and I've even had some babies fall asleep all stretched out. I think it's cute!!!! Don't worry about her unless she stops eating/drinking, doesn't get up at all, etc. And of course, if you have any questions, there's over 9,000 members here who can help!!!!! LOL!!! [​IMG]
     
  6. Apr 19, 2008 Post #6 of 12
    HorseFeathers

    HorseFeathers Frazzled

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    Ha ha ha, when our babies first did that we were like "Aaack! She's DIEING". Then we realized that this freaky behavior is just sunning. They really can't help it, so sometimes they struggle to get up but in the end sink back down with this crazed look. They don't have a broken bone or something. So no, it's perfectly normal.
     
  7. Apr 19, 2008 Post #7 of 12
    chad76

    chad76 In the Brooder

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    Thanks everyone! I did a google search to see if I could find anything and couldn't... so I came here. Y'all are the best!!!

    I think she must be sunbathing since she's doing it in the sun (and not flopping)... although it's quite hot here today.

    LOL at Envirogirl... that's the first thing that crossed my mind. Oh no, she's dead! [​IMG]

    Can you tell I've lived in the city all my life? [​IMG]

    Thanks again for all the help!

    Chad
     
  8. Apr 19, 2008 Post #8 of 12
    Ericasl

    Ericasl Songster

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    Welcome to BYC Chad, I am a newbie also and everyone is so helpful here. I have had so many questions, I have learned so much from everybody. Have fun with you new family members. watch out I started with 5 and now have 25!!
    Erica
     
  9. Apr 19, 2008 Post #9 of 12
    thechickenchick

    thechickenchick Born city, Living country

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    Thats funny because I panicked the first time I saw mine do that![​IMG] It was a sun bath under the light and I thought for sure she was dying! Oh and I agree.. everyone here is so helpful and just plain nice!
     
  10. Apr 20, 2008 Post #10 of 12
    fivebigreds

    fivebigreds Songster

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    If the place where you got them didn't let them in the sun then they may do that alot. I got 2 old english game hens from a guy that keeps them in a barn stall no sun, when i put them out they have just layed sunning for months , it's like they can't get enough.
     
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