Why are my hen's feathers all ruffled up on her head

[Suskm]

I have a 4+ year old French Black Copper Marans who seems puny. The feathers around her comb and head are ruffled straight up as if they had some kind of hair product on the them. She's lethargic as well. This poor girl has a prolapsed crop that has always sagged seriously. She could practically use a sling. Anyway, haven't had any illnesses in any of my girls for several years so I guess there's something coming for this girl. I'm wondering if it's a sour crop issue. I wish I could do surgery on her.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Sorry your gal ain't feeling well.

Can you post a pic?

Unfortunately, if we keep birds long enough we will phase their eventual passing.

I'm gonna start by asking some questions. None are meant to be judgmental and I am only here to help..

What do you feed (protein %) including treats and supplements? How many birds in how much space? Any roosters? Any recent additions to the flock or changes in feed? Is your Marans hen laying? When was the last time she laid? Has she already molted this season? Have you ever tested or treated for any worms or parasites and when? What has you recent weather pattern been? Have you looked into a crop bra for your girl? How long have her head feathers been ruffled? How is she standing? Is she eating and drinking? What does her poo look like? Sorry so many questions.. I will ask more if they pop up but this will also help others to get a grasp on the situation and do our best to help you get it figured out.

Hoping for the best outcome possible!

 

[Suskm]

Thank you for responding EggSighted4Life... my hens are mostly pets but I like knowing where my eggs come from. I have the Marans and in another coop I have 16 other hens that are just 18 months old. I've been keeping them for five years now. I don't feel that you're being judgemental at all. There is one fbcm rooster in the coop with this girl and three other hens. These hens and roo are four years old. They did go through their molt in October. They actually have given me several eggs this year as a group. I don't know if the eggs were from her or not. No new intros into this coop as I don't plan on keeping Marans in the future. The weather has been in the low 20s up to the 80s and the fluctuation has been crazy here in middle Ga. Ha! I seriously did not know there was such a thing as a crop bra! I haven't treated for worms this year. I usually treat twice a year with Ivomectin. She's eating and drinking fine but I just noticed her feathers tonight as I was checking on them before they go to roost.. I do ferment occasionally too. I will have to watch her to watch see the stool in the morning. They are fed Pen Pals Eggmaker feed. The protein is 16% but I do supplement with kale, alfalfa and meal worms. Her stance is normal... no tucked tail, her eyes look bright too. I did note that initially she wasn't moving around much but she did snap out of the lethargy.... still those feathers tho. You know I have observed her trying to push her crop up (to move things in there I suppose). There is a spot in the frame of the run that she literally rests her crop for periods of time. She likes to sun there. I am going to check out that Crop bra tonight....
Looking forward to dialoging further.

 

[micstrachan]

+1 to the crop bra, which is basically the "sling" you mentioned in your original post. You will need to address the sour crop, as well. Monistat or other vaginal yeast infection cream is supposed to work, but you will have to check around the forums for the details. Good luck!