windway Posted September 28, 2010 Share Posted September 28, 2010 Hi I got my Black Rock and two others on Saturday. All seem to be settling in well at the moment. However, the Black Rock is spending a huge amount of time in the nesting box in the . None of the chickens are laying yet - so could she be broody or is this impossible? Any advice would be great. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted September 28, 2010 Share Posted September 28, 2010 Maybe she is thinking about laying and finding that first egg a bit difficult? Is she fluffed up and flat as a pancake? Has she started pulling her feathers out from underneath her? Is she cross when you move her? I would have thought she wouldn't be broody but then hens haven't read the rule book. Keep an eye on her in case she is sickening for something. But also it may be that she is just settling in and finds the nesting box a secure place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
windway Posted September 28, 2010 Author Share Posted September 28, 2010 Hi Chicken Bark. Thanks for your advice. She doesn't show any of those traits but I do think that she sneezed and coughed today - I'm brand new to all of this so I could be wrong as I have never seen a chicken sneeze before! She's eating and drinking well. I did notice one of the other chickens peck at her eyes which was a bit distressing for me but she didn't move away - strange! So could it be a cold? What do i do??? Ohhh so many questions!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken bark Posted September 29, 2010 Share Posted September 29, 2010 Sounds as though she is under the weather. I'd put some Apple cider vinegar or garlic in their water. You only need a drop and use the stuff from a horse supplier place rather than the supermarket. Mine have not had a cold yet but I know that some people use a product called respite. That can be purchased online. Might be worth getting some in if you think she might be getting a cold. They do preen each other and peck at each others faces but not aggressively - usually because they are trying to steal a treat. Have a look at her eyes and nose and see if they are clear. The problem with chickens is that they hide illness very well and then just drop down dead. If you are seriously worried then take her to the vet. Sorry I am not much help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
