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Why won't my non-broody Ameraucana come out of the coop?

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by chicknmom, Oct 21, 2015.

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  1. Oct 21, 2015 #1
    chicknmom

    chicknmom Out Of The Brooder

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    Neither of my two ~15 month old Ameraucanas has laid any eggs in a few weeks. I assume that's because of the season (moulting).

    However, I have recently become aware that one of them just stays in the coop all the time. I don't know if she is ever coming out for food or drink. She doesn't appear sick. If I take her out, she makes a dash back to the coop and - when I block it - she veers into some nearby bushes and hides there. I don't believe she is broody - she isn't behaving broody and isn't sitting in the nest boxes but on one of the perches in the coop.

    I can see no evidence that she is being bullied by the other hens in the flock, but she is acting so strangely.

    Any ideas? Thanks.
     
  3. Oct 21, 2015 #2
    oldhenlikesdogs

    oldhenlikesdogs Runs With Chickens Premium Member

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    Molting can be quite uncomfortable, mine sometimes will hide for a few weeks, it seems it's as the new feathers are emerging, any touching I'm sure hurts, mine eventually went back outside after their feathers grew back.
     
  4. Oct 21, 2015 #3
    Blooie

    Blooie Team Spina Bifida Premium Member

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    x2 My poor Gladys and Mathilda seem to be suffering the most. Those feathers hurt when they are coming back in all bristly and they just don't want to be touched - even in passing. So they each have a spot on the roost and they are pretty much hanging out up there after they eat and get a drink.
     
  5. Oct 22, 2015 #4
    aart

    aart Chicken Juggler!

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    I've witnessed the isolating and increased lounging/resting during the day with molting birds.
    Might want to increase their protein during the molt.
     
  6. Oct 22, 2015 #5
    Blooie

    Blooie Team Spina Bifida Premium Member

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    Yep, and I should have said that and for some reason I spaced it! Duh, Diane!
     

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