Patridge bantam chicken poorly foot?

[Leicester_H]

Hi all,

 

I'm stuck at work. Just had call from husband - Chikki is STILL in nest box - we thought she was laying an egg when I left at 8am (4 hours ago). Apparently she seems fine otherwise, so I suggested giving her some water - she has drunk this.

 

She has been a little 'off-colour' recently - nothing major - few soft eggs - lost some feathers (particularly on breast) - but mostly seems fine - eating & drinking fine - she doesn't seem to like the warmer weather and is much livelier on the cooler days.

Age - 18 months (ish)

 

So, my guess/hope is she's suddenly gone broody - does this seem likely ?

- or do I need to dash home and do something ?????????????

 

Any advice, gratefully received, Hazel

[Egluntyne]

Sounds possible.

 

Don't dash home.

[Leicester_H]

Thanks for reassurance, Egluntine

 

How can a £10 chicken cause so much 'worry' ?????

[Snowy]

They certainly can be a worry can't they?

Some of mine are going half heartedly broody at the moment too Hazel. Given half a chance they will sit on the nest all day, but I find if I chuck them off as soon as they've laid they snap out of it pretty quick. Hope Chikki pulls her socks up soon

[Leicester_H]

Thanks both.

 

Brin just called - Chikki is now out in the run again - so its sounds like Snowy's "half heartedly broody "

[clucking mad]

you dont need to pop home, but your boss doesnt know that, just pretend that its really urgent and then get some time off.

 

as long as she s eating and drinking she should be fine

[Leicester_H]

you dont need to pop home, but your boss doesnt know that, just pretend that its really urgent and then get some time off.

as long as she s eating and drinking she should be fine

I'm lucky in that I don't have fixed hours (so can go home anytime) BUT there'll just be the same work to be done when I return.

 

Anyway - off soon to have a word with her - see what its all about !!

Thanks for your concern - its great to be able to get such quick responses from knowlegable people.

 

H