jambo Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 Hi everyone I've just noticed that Pam my 4 yr old Sussex star is sitting on the floor of the run under the house with her head tucked right under her wing all you can see is her comb sticking out shes been doing it for most of the day is this normal as I've never seen her do this before?? James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 No, it's not normal - she sounds to me as if she is very unwell. I would check her over to see if you can discover what the problem is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jambo Posted May 28, 2013 Author Share Posted May 28, 2013 Thanks for the reply olly I'll keep an eye on her she's eating,drinking and laying fine and I just went out to see her and she got straight up and met me by the run door as she normally does and bossing the other girls round she seems fine but it was just the head thing that got me wondering but I'll def keep an eye on her James Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted May 28, 2013 Share Posted May 28, 2013 Sorry, my earlier post was a bit rushed as I was on a mobile phone. Normal chicken behaviour is a good guide to health, so if a hen is running for treats, moving around etc, it's a fairly good indication - as soon as they go quiet, or adopt a hunched posture, it's a sign that something is wrong. Because hens don't like to lose their place in the pecking order, they will hide any sign of illness for as long as they can - and a hen adopting the posture you describe for more than a short while doesn't sound normal. On a sunny day they might lie down in an odd position to sunbathe, or if they are having a dustbath, but not for hours at a time. At 4 years old, she is quite an elderly lady in chicken terms - it could be that she was laying a soft-shelled egg as that can make them behave as if they are off-colour for a few hours. I would keep an eye on her though and if this behaviour is repeated, get her checked out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jambo Posted May 28, 2013 Author Share Posted May 28, 2013 Thanks I've kept popping out and checking on he now she up and about foraging and seems alert but she definitely rules the roost She has laid a couple of not really soft but if you hold it too tight it will break in your hand eggs but I've run out of oyster shell at the mo and been too busy at work to get any but I'm getting some tomorrow so I'll see if that helps with the soft shells I'll keep an eye on her and if she carries on I've got a local vet who breeds and shows chickens so I'll get her checked out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
