Hunkered down Hen

[Rosechuk]

Hey All!

I noticed last night that I have a hen that is "hunkered" down and not moving around much. She does not appear to be eating, although every now and the she pecks at something. She just kinda stands there and the other bird push her around and she doesn't even hardly notice. This morning I noticed that she was kind of shaking her head back and forth, kind of twitching–like she was trying shake something off of her head.

Anyway, I am not sure what to do with her, and thought I would see if anyone has any suggestions.

Thanks in advance!

 

[untamed_spirit]

Hey, your chickens symptoms sound very similar to the ones my chick had. I found him 2 days ago on his side feet kicking out. When I held him upright, he was fluffed up and his neck was twitching. I seperated him from the others, and put him in an isolation pen with a heat lamp. I fed him watered down layers pellets, and some petit filous kids yoghurt, in case it was a vitamin or calcium deffciency. He is now a lot better, and I will be reintroducing him to the others tomorrow. I will let you know what happens.

Good luck with your chook.

 

[davony's chicks]

I too have had this happen with several chicks. I gave them sugar water with an eye dropper, put them in an isolation pen with heat lamp, and put Duramycin 10 in their water. I have had them in isolation for up to 5 days and they have gotten better. Good luck and hopefully someone else has more info for you.

 

[Rosechuk]

Well, I should try to isolate her at least, and see what happens. Thanks for the advice.

 

[chookchick]

How old is this hen? Does she appear chilled or fluffed up? Does she have diarrhea or other odd poo? Does she show any other symptoms such as tucked under tail, goopy eyes, gasping, sneezing, etc...?

 

[Rosechuk]

This is a young hen...started laying in December. She appears fluffed up, but not really chilled. I have not seen her poo, but did isolate her this morning and gave her some soggy pellets and some yogurt. I didnt notice anything other than the head shaking, which she was still doing some today. She did seem a little more alert this morning, but still standoffish compared to the others.