Smart Feeder - Light sensor values

[johnandkymberley]

Hi all, i am really worried. One of our hens, Cherry is acting abit strange. My partner thinks its nothing but i just have a niggle that something is not right. She has always been a good hen, she lays everyday, is very friendly and part of the group (although shes not the most dominant). One night about 2 weeks ago she was asleep behind the cube wheel, we waited for her to go inside as the others were, she did not. We tried hoaxing her to us with corn so we could put her in, we poked her to try and move her, nothing worked, i had to get in and physically pull her to me and put her in, she didnt resist or try to get away (she has a lovely temper tho so i thought nothing of it) Now everytime we give them corn she mostly doesnt move, she sits (sometimes away from the others) fast asleep, her eyes tightly shut, even when they are free ranging. In the cube she is the same but mostly sits/lays down to sleep, when she is free ranging she will walk.stop and just fall to sleep. I mean truly in the land of nod though not just a rest. She was standing up sleeping 15 mins ago and ive just checked on her and she is in the exact same space sleeping, she looks like she is almost trying to fight the sleep off, im so worried about my little baby girl, does anyone have any suggestions? is this normal? thanks in advance xxxx

Edited June 23, 2010 by Guest

[Christian]

Is she eating and drinking? The heat can affect them so make sure they have plenty of extra water and shade. Just keep an eye on her and I'm sure she will be ok.

 

If you are concerned then take her to a vet for a check up. They will be able to tell if something is wrong.

[Chucky Mama]

She doesn't sound like a well chicken to me. I thinkt that you may need to take her to a vet or get someone experienced with chickens to give her a look over. You can give her a thorough check over [Guide Here] paying special attention to her vent area and rear end looking for swelling/discharge etc. It could be any number of things but an examination may shed a little more light.

[Egluntyne]

If she started showing symptoms a couple of weeks ago, she definitely needs to see a vet.

[johnandkymberley]

Thanks for your resposes, yes she is eating and drinking, drinking more but thats to be expected because of the heat. I have done a simple health check on her, eyes and nose are clear and vent is white with no crustyness or swelling etc. Her legs are smooth and her comb is red, a bit flopped to the side and not a bright red but still red! i cant be certain if she is laying i am going to keep an eye on her, does anyone have any other suggestions than to take her to the vet? i dont mind taking her but just want to be sure i have looked at all avenues! thanks again and in advance xxx

[johnandkymberley]

On closer inspection she has little red things on her bum what could these be? xx

[Christian]

Are they alive? Red mite? They usually live in the coop and come out at night to suck the hens' blood. A liberal dosing in mite/lice powder would be my first action.