Poorly new chicken - any ideas?

[russell]

We picked up four rescue chickens yesterday and three of them are settling in fine (with lots of attitude - I am being pecked any time I go near them!) and have had a couple of eggs already.

However, one is not doing so well - she has just been sat down since she got here, I had to pick her up and put her in the coop last night and then again this morning. She is eating the food I put in front of her and drinking but she just wont get up. I dont know if it is anything to do with the fact that the lady I got her from cut her claw a bit too much and it bled. She put some of that powder on it, and so have I, so she is being left alone by the others.

Also her vent is - erm - quivering a lot, or undulating. Does she have an egg coming (can they get stuck?) Her bum is bald so I can see what looks like her clenching and unclenching.

Any ideas??

Thanks in advance

[shirlthegirl43]

I should think stress is a likely problem. I have read that it can be quite a shock to some chooks to see outdoors for the first time. If she is eating and drinking then it is hopeful.

I am sure someone who has had rescue hens will be along to help you out soon. Good luck with them.

[lynda66]

maybe she's agoraphobic? she might actually feel safer inside the house as she has never seen outside before ....... the change of scenery could all be too much for her, i think i'd be inclined to put her back in the house, and keep an eye on her and hopefullly she will settle in in the next few days, and come out when she's ready.

[MaureenHall]

Lots of TLC, and maybe a bit of poultry spice mixed into her food - helps get over stressful situations. Make gentle "bok-bok" sounds to her when you go near her and stroke her wattles (mine love that). Lynda's probably right in thinking that she might just feel safer inside the house at the moment, everything looks so "big" and a bit scary.

Her bum might be quivvering a bit because she might want/need to lay an egg but doesn't feel comfortable about it in this new strange space. Is she pooing ok?

Best of luck with your new girls, they'll give you endless hours of pleasure, just as you're giving them the freedom they deserve

[yoanbob]

marmite on wholemeal bread is very good for chook stress, dont rush her and keep a close eye on her