burb birds Posted August 30, 2010 Share Posted August 30, 2010 Hi everyone. First post for us. Feedback greatly welcomed. We got our first four pullets one week ago. Initially the rhode island red appeared to be ruling the roost, but by day 3 things had changed. We've noticed she's always last to eat treats and holds her tail down. Can't quite put our fingers on why, but she looks a little scruffy compared to the others. We read suggestions that the tail pointing down is often first sign of illness. Worried, we went to check her out and give her the opportunity to get to some treats without competition. It turns out when we separated her from the others her tail lifted back up again straight away. Is this a sign she's bottom of the pecking order? Or could she be ill after all? Little bit more health context: no issues with droppings, she's not listless, eyes and other signs all clear, and she's in good voice. She's also a little bit grumpy and snappy with the others sometimes. Any ideas anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 I'd give her a **Basic Health Check** to see if anything obvious shows. Sounds as if she is just bottom of the heap and a bit stressed, but the others could be picking on her because she isn't well. They are very clever at hiding it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burb birds Posted August 31, 2010 Author Share Posted August 31, 2010 Thanks for that. I've checked over the list and at first glance think she (Sophia) might be ok, in bodily health at least. We're going out now to run through the list though. Will let you know how that goes....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burb birds Posted August 31, 2010 Author Share Posted August 31, 2010 Hi again. We've checked her over, as per the link. Thankfully we can't see anything of worry now but will keep an eye on her. She definately waits for the other ladies to occupy themselves with food before she will help herself but we've given her some special treatment away from the others and she certainly hasn't lost her appetite. Her tail's not quite so dipped by the time she returns. She might even have gained a little confidence too! As I say we'll keep an eye on her. Maybe there's a risk that she is poorly but the special treatment lifts her spirits a little. Fingers x-ed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 31, 2010 Share Posted August 31, 2010 Does sound like she is coming to terms with being low in pecking order. I would wait and watch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
