Why is my chicken 'fluffing up'

[myducklingjourney]

Hello.

So, my mille fleur cross bantam, Lady Agnes, has been acting weird recently. She just like fluffs up her feathers and puts her head in her chest, and kind of keeps to herself, distancing from the rest of the flock and she just seems sort of lethargic. She also makes sneezing (I think) sounds, and shakes/moves her head weirdly when doing it. Could it be because of a cold? The temps are low where I live, and they free range all day. Any help and/or suggestions are welcome. Thank you!


PS: Her roo also started mating with her, could she be stressed out because of it? She is really tiny as well.

 

[Eggcessive]

How old is she? Does she sneeze throughout the day or just occasionally, or more when eating? She looks very tired and is probably sick. Has she been laying eggs? Can you feel of her crop early in the morning before she eats or drinks to see if her crop is empty or full and soft or firm? Do you see any bubbles in either eye or mucus from her nostrils? Is there any sound from breathing? Is her lower belly swollen or bluish in color? I would separate her in a dog pen with food and water. Before that I would offer some moistened chicken feed and scrambled egg bits, and try to get her drinking. Keep her out of the wind and cold, but near the other chickens if possible.

 

[myducklingjourney]

How old is she? Does she sneeze throughout the day or just occasionally, or more when eating? She looks very tired and is probably sick. Has she been laying eggs? Can you feel of her crop early in the morning before she eats or drinks to see if her crop is empty or full and soft or firm? Do you see any bubbles in either eye or mucus from her nostrils? Is there any sound from breathing? Is her lower belly swollen or bluish in color? I would separate her in a dog pen with food and water. Before that I would offer some moistened chicken feed and scrambled egg bits, and try to get her drinking. Keep her out of the wind and cold, but near the other chickens if possible.

Thank you!
She is about 6 months old now. No eggs yet. I will check to see the rest tomorrow morning and be back with a response. About the sneezing, she only does it occasionally. And I believe I have seen some sort of liquid around her eye area, but will have a closer look tomorrow.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would also check her body for any lice or mites on her skin under her vent and elsewhere. Have you added any new birds recently? Are most of your chickens bantams or all sizes?