Woodchick Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Yesterday after a full days free ranging my Miss P had a strange turn. She stood stock still and appeared to be staring at something. She didn't run to the treat bowl or to me. She then did come over and ate normally. The rest of the evening seemed fine. This morning she didn't come out of the cube for an hour and a half but when she did she seemed fine. I'm very anxious - only had them 4 weeks - and would be grateful for any thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Is she behaving normally now? Eating? Drinking? If so, she may just have been startled by something. My hens often stop dead still like statues if a bird of prey flies overhead. So long as she's not hunched up or off her food or anything, she's probably fine. Keep an eye on her though and if you spot anything worrying, come and let us know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surferdog Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 My son calls this 'getting messages from the mothership' - they all stop stock still and appear to be listening to something only they can hear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 What a wonderful phrase . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egg Lou Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 My son calls this 'getting messages from the mothership' - they all stop stock still and appear to be listening to something only they can hear Love it Mine have also been doing something similar and did wonder if normal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Faye&Ant Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 My son calls this 'getting messages from the mothership' - they all stop stock still and appear to be listening to something only they can hear lol Brilliant - I love that idea! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TAJ Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 Could she be about to start laying? That would account for her staying inside during the morning? Tracy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodchick Posted June 12, 2008 Author Share Posted June 12, 2008 Thanks all. I've just got home and she seems fine, running around like a mad thing and eating away. I'm reassured by those who have also seen the 'statue' effect although it was just the one chicken - the other two were still running up and down. Quite spooky really! As for laying, I'm sure she has started as has one other but it is difficult to tell who is doing what and we've only had one day of two eggs! Funnily enough (having convinced myself she was desperately ill, I posted my question from my blackberry whilst on a train) I did find a soft shelled egg on the grass (outside the run so must have been from yesterday) but I don't know from whom. As to the other question she is eating well and generally perky other than those two events. I am used to worrying about my cats - now I have more worries! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 I used to worry all the time, but the more you get used to them the easier it gets. I have always had cats, and I can tell instantly if mine is feeling ill, has been duffed up by another cat, is feeling happy/cross, etc. just by looking at him. The more you observe your chickens, you'll get to know what their 'normal' behaviour is, and each one may be slightly different. Then, just as with cats, you will know whether they are off-colour or not. I spent weeks wondering if I was doing things right at first, but the chooks survived and 18 months on, I am a lot more laid-back (and probably a bit more neglectful! ) I love that phrase about 'the mothership'! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 my new girls do this when the 'big girls' get too close - I think its a defensive mechanism. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Abbey Road Girl Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 It's late, have some heavy family problems, but wish you all the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gamebird Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 My son calls this 'getting messages from the mothership' - they all stop stock still and appear to be listening to something only they can hear I've just come back from holiday so I'm catching up and it really made me laugh when I read this. It's so true. Mine take it in turns to stand still with their neck in the air listening for goodness know what. Your son has a good sense of humour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mutrix Farmers Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 My son calls this 'getting messages from the mothership' - they all stop stock still and appear to be listening to something only they can hear Like it . Katie does this all the time, but she seems OK health-wise. I just thought it was a typical chicken quirk! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodchick Posted June 13, 2008 Author Share Posted June 13, 2008 Thanks everybody, I had no idea that it was typical chicken behaviour so I shan't concern myself next time the mothership calls! Have a great weekend all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
