Davejarvis1 Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 Hi. I had some rescued Warren chickens about 6 months ago and up till last week all was fine. They are free to scratch in the whole garden. They get layers pellets in the morning and some corn and or greens in the day. One day last week one of the chickens took to standing by herself in the corner under a tree not eating. At night she was still there after long after the others had gone to bed. I got her in the coop and was sure I'd have one less chicken the next day. Not a bit of it. They all tumbled out and made a mad dash for the food. It is happening today. One of them, possible the same one, can't tell, is by herself, head pulled in, hunched up not interested in food. They all seemed OK when I let them out. Anyone got any ideas. Thanks. Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 It's worth trying to see if it is the same one, maybe a leg ring to identify her? They can have off days - especially if they are due to lay a softie, but if it is beginning to happen every day, you probably need to do a bit of a check on her: any weight loss, is she still laying, what are her poops like, worm and delouse. If you have a look in the FAQs section there are some good threads on how to check them over and what to do with the results. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cavysqueak Posted September 14, 2011 Share Posted September 14, 2011 Our girls go all quiet & inactive when they are moulting, or when they are not laying properly / well. I have a first step which I always try with any animals in my care which look a bit down - help their natural system by just adding warmth. I get a hot water bottle, catch the hen & put the hot water bottle underneath her tummy (remember to have an old towel or something around the hot water bottle so the heat is not in direct contact with your skin, or possibly even her skin as you hold it). Hold the bottle in front of her feet & if you can slide it right under her that is best. I find that this worked in all but the most extreme cases with my hen who didn't lay consitently, or well. If they are just moulting the heat can help them to just feel a bit perkier for a bit. If the hen has got trouble laying an egg then the heat can make the internal passages move more freely, hence helping to move the egg along. I hope that your hen is feeling better soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
