Help

[Mrs Sparkle]

Hi to you all I have just joined your forum because I am worried about my hen Tikka.I got her about 3 weeks ago at about point of lay or so I was told,so far no eggs although she has grown quite a lot and now has a tail.
Over the past few days she has looked more and more sorry for her self puffing up and hiding under the bushes and seems to have stopped eating.
today she is hardly moving around the garden and sits down whenever I go near.Is she about to lay ? Is this normal? What should I do?

[MaureenHall]

Hello and welcome Mrs Sparkle. Have you just got the 1 chook? If so, I think that could be part of the problem. Chickens need the company of other chickens, that's why it's always recommended that you get 3 (if 1 dies then the others won't be lonely). Introduce her to a couple more and I'm sure she'll be fine, and she might even start laying eggs as a thank you

[Hans Mum]

if she is sort of squatting when you put your hand on her back it sounds like she's about to start laying, if you had a cockeral its a sign that she's ready to 'receive' him.

[Suechooks]

I'd agree with Maureens advice.
Regarding the "lying down" when you approach - if she's squatting down when you lean over her then she probably is about to start laying in the next week or so. This may be why she's moping about too - think of it as PMT!
But please get her a couple of friends!

[Mrs Sparkle]

She has a friend but she is a bit of a bully because she has been with me for a year with her friend that died about 2 months ago so I got tikka to keep her happy but they dont get on too well. I let them out in the garden together but they go to bed sepersatly at the moment,would like to get them together properly eventually.

[Hans Mum]

when theyve gone to bed and its dark try moving them in together and when they wake up they're both in the same area and less likely to 'bicker'

[Mrs Sparkle]

Oh ok shall I try that tonight or wait until Tikka is more herself?

[Hans Mum]

i'd do it sooner rather than later, it might be a few days yet before she lays,

[Mrs Sparkle]

Tonights the night then.Thanks

[RichmondHens]

Mrs Sparkle, welcome to the Vine. I have to say, on reading your post through, it rather sounds like your Tikka is a bit poorly. "Puffed up" feathers and not eating is a sign of an ill bird. Keep a close eye on her. If she is coming into lay she will have a bright red comb and be eating plenty, in preparation for her egg production. If she is no better in a day or two, then perhaps an experienced chicken keeper or vet needs to have a look at her.

[Mrs Sparkle]

Have just put Tikka in with Maggi lets hope they have a good night together and Tikka is all better in the morning.

[MaureenHall]

How is she this morning?

[Mrs Sparkle]

About the same as yesterday.I am worried!

[Hans Mum]

maybe it's time for a visit to the vets, is she eating & drinking?

[Mrs Sparkle]

Not as far as I can tell.