when a hen holds her wings up higher, what does it mean?

[Wild--Star]

I was reintroducing my hen Sky who has been in isolation for months, back into the flock. My other girl Izzy was being civil this time and they were pecking at seed together under my VERY close watch. I am a little over protective especially as Izzy jumped at Sky and tried to attack her the last time I tried to reintroduce Sky but that was months ago. I believe Sky is actually starting to look better this time but anyway I noticed Izzy was strutting around with her wings held up instead of sagging more or sitting in the right place like normal. Is this to display dominance or just random? Also what foods or medicens etc. are good to bring a hens weight back to normal? Thanks

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Wings are held like that when a chicken is too hot.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Would have to see what you saw, but from what you describe,

Hens will "strut" a bit and charge a newcomer, and they do hold their wings out to do that. So it may have been a dominance thing...or could have been the hen was hot. Holding the wings out to the side can also indicate being hot if there was no interaction between the birds.

You don't say why Sky was in isolation. If illness, then feeding good food like scrambled eggs, yogurt, and warm feed mash can help with weight gain.

Low weight often indicates worms. I would put them all on a good worming regiment if you've not done so.

LofMc

 

[Wild--Star]

Thankyou both she must have been hot and with Sky, yes sorry i forgot to mention she has been sick, but shes looking better now. Sorry sometimes i just subconsciously automatically assume that everybody knows whats going with my hens as i have done so much forruming on them lol. Didnt stop to think. Anyway i have just put her on some wormer today actually so thank you again and okay i will start feeding her more of the good stuff again. xx