Hello chicken experts!
This morning when I went to check on my flock, one of my RIR pullets appeared a little lethargic (standing still, slightly droopy (but not severe), one leg held up, eyes closed). She’s about 5 months old and has been showing interest in the nesting boxes for about a month now. My young cockerel has shown the most interest in her as well and I’ve witnessed one successful mount between them.
Naturally, I’m concerned because she hasn’t acted like this before - she’s usually pretty alert. I have her in a larger dog crate in the coop area now, covered on two sides with a towel, with a dish of food and some water with probiotics added.
Before I put her in the crate, however, I observed her on and off for about an hour. One minute, she was showing the slight lethargy, then 15 minutes later she seemed like her normal self (not running around but more awake and eating from the feeder). Then I’d check back 10-15 minutes later and she’d be looking lethargic again. When I put her in the crate she was pacing, trying to find a way out.
So, could this be a sign she might be getting ready to lay? Could my cockerel be wearing her out (I once lost a young hen to a massive laceration caused by one of my roosters, so now I’m paranoid). I haven’t seen him being too eager with her or the others, but I do work during the day.
Anyhoo, if anyone has any ideas, I’d love to hear them. Thanks!
This morning when I went to check on my flock, one of my RIR pullets appeared a little lethargic (standing still, slightly droopy (but not severe), one leg held up, eyes closed). She’s about 5 months old and has been showing interest in the nesting boxes for about a month now. My young cockerel has shown the most interest in her as well and I’ve witnessed one successful mount between them.
Naturally, I’m concerned because she hasn’t acted like this before - she’s usually pretty alert. I have her in a larger dog crate in the coop area now, covered on two sides with a towel, with a dish of food and some water with probiotics added.
Before I put her in the crate, however, I observed her on and off for about an hour. One minute, she was showing the slight lethargy, then 15 minutes later she seemed like her normal self (not running around but more awake and eating from the feeder). Then I’d check back 10-15 minutes later and she’d be looking lethargic again. When I put her in the crate she was pacing, trying to find a way out.
So, could this be a sign she might be getting ready to lay? Could my cockerel be wearing her out (I once lost a young hen to a massive laceration caused by one of my roosters, so now I’m paranoid). I haven’t seen him being too eager with her or the others, but I do work during the day.
Anyhoo, if anyone has any ideas, I’d love to hear them. Thanks!
