DaisyAndBobby Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 We have two hens. Both eating, drinking and pooping normally. Recently wormed. Laying sporadically due to time of year and a light moult. They are not yet a year old. They just seem a bit slower and less active, which seems odd. They are standing around, tails down, not moving much and preening a lot. One is just sitting down, awake, looking around and preening. The other spends the day stood next to her, on one leg only (checked for bumble foot or any obvious injuries, there are non) preening as well. Is it just the time of year, maybe a bit miserable and dull for them, or could it be a sign of something worse? They have 2m square per bird in their run, and the door is open usual as but they are not venturing out. Just sitting/standing and preening. They are not broody, I am sure of that. They are taking themselves off to bed every night, and then come out as soon as the door is opened at 7.30 am and tuck into their pellets. Normally, they would be all over the garden, foraging, digging under bushed, around the raspberry canes, just very active all day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 Does sound a bit odd. Have you checked for red mite? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted December 14, 2015 Share Posted December 14, 2015 Mine are still coming out and about a bit but definitely less than during the summer. They've all just moulted too. I think it's probably just a winter thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaisyAndBobby Posted December 15, 2015 Author Share Posted December 15, 2015 I am pretty sure we do not have red mite as the GO had its monthly full clean and spray-wash down at the weekend. I had a quick check this morning in the nooks and crannies and there is nothing there but the DE I sprinkled in. I suspect it could just be a winter/dull days/damp rainy thing. Ironically, after a week of lethargic behaviour, they are up and about and quite active today... go figure! I will be keeping an eye on them anyway. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted December 15, 2015 Share Posted December 15, 2015 They do like to keep us on our toes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
percy049 Posted December 15, 2015 Share Posted December 15, 2015 My hens are very inactive at the moment; a combination of age and the damp, cold, dull weather Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
