Help I'm new to keeping chickens

[sootysue]

We noticed today that one of our new girls was rolling around on the floor, possibly having a dust bath, but after a few minutes she seemed to struggle to get up. When she eventually managed to stand she seemed to be very wobbly and had to keep sitting down. This lasted for about an hour, but she is eating and now seems to be ok. Is this just a chicken thing or is there cause for concern. We have only had the girls for a fortnight.

[frias]

First time I saw one of mine have a dust bath I thought she was dying. Often my girls give themselves such a shake after a dust bath that they nearly knock themselves over. I have to admit I've never seen the effects last an hour though. Hopefully someone else will know. Are your girls ex-batts or youngsters?

[lynda66]

not sure if it's normal, but mine do wriggle a lot, but then they just sprawl out after their bath with their legs akimbo, literally sprawled lol .... so maybe they'd be dizzy if they got up too, they are very vigorous

are they ex batts? maybe she was just overenthusiastic cos she's not used to it?

[MaureenHall]

Hello and welcome Sootysue. I've never seen this happen with any of my chooks, but maybe she'd had her head low down for a bit too long and gone a bit woozy? Then felt tired? If she's eating and drinking ok then I'd presume that she's fine. Keep an eye on her though, and good luck

[sootysue]

They're youngsters about 23 weeks allegedly altough this one seems to be the smallest and youngest, they are warrens. One of them does like to nod off before she lays. Thanks guys hopefully she will be ok tomorrow.

[Bephlam]

Mine do something similar - they roll around for as long as a couple of hours, purring and shaking...and then when they try to stand, they look drunk, slump back down and roll over on to their side for a while. It looks like they've got themselves in to a trance like state, and it takes them a little while to 'come down' from it!

Mine do this daily...and are absolutely fine...

[MaureenHall]

That's reassuring Bephlam, I've been thinking about this since last night

[Bephlam]

As we all know - most of the time we worry about absolutely nothing! I've worried myself sick over my girls (as you know) many a time, and they've been absolutely fine.

[Hans Mum]

mine do this too,, first time they did it I was in serious panic mode, posted on here for advice, couldnt wait for an answer rang the breeder who said yes theyre dust bathing, me "but ive given them a dust bath and theyre not using it", him "they're chickens theyll do it where they want not where you want!!"

[sootysue]

Hi everyone, latest report on Ginger is that she's fine, eating normally and doing the usual chicken stuff, including lying in the sun in a chicken pile, in a hole that they have dug in the corner of the run, and being quite mesmerised by my glasses when we are at eye level!

[Flummery]

Good news Sue. Have you got a digital camera? - 'Cos we're addicted to chicken pictures!

[HayleyB]

Mine do get so into the shavings that they are a bit wobbly probably dizzy from rolling around but always seem ok

[sootysue]

Thanks Flummery, hopefully there will be pics soon, its getting them to stand sill thats the problem

[Glutton4...]

Thanks Flummery, hopefully there will be pics soon, its getting them to stand sill thats the problem

Ha ha ha - you've got a long wait!