[mrs chook]

Hi. I lost a chook in march. Am worried about another. Up till half hour ago she was running around with the other. Being a typical naughty chook & pestering us while we ate tea. Now she not moving , wings out & eyes closed - tail down too . Could this be the heat or does she sound ill? Really don't want the heart ache of another sick chook .

Thanks.

[Springlands]

Sounds like she is trying to cool off  - my hens have been behaving in the same way today - some have been hiding under the hen house. If she is still behaving like that when it gets cooler you might need to take her to the vets.

[Springlands]

It sounds like she is trying to cool down - my hens do they same in hot weather. If she is still acting the same way when it cools down you might have to take her to the vets just to be sure.

[mrs chook]

Thanks 4 your quick response! Do your girls pick up as the evening goes on? She just seems so lifeless :-(

[Springlands]

Mine have certainly livened up over the last hour and are all eating but then it has got cooler here.

How old is she - could she be beginning to feel the effects of age.

[mumofstig]

I've merged the 2 threads together, no point in having 2 asking the same question 

[Springlands]

So that is what happened to my first reply - thought I had not posted properly.

[mrs chook]

Got at PoL Feb. She had a worm & a little drink but back to lifeless . She is wormed last month & coop treated 4 lice etc (although no sign)

[Springlands]

She is still quite young then - she could just still be feeling the effects of the heat but as I said before if she is no better in the morning you might need to take her to the vets. If possible separate her from other hens so she does not get bullied.

[ANHBUC]

Does she have somewhere shady during the day so that she can keep cool?

[Springlands]

Some of mine have dug under the hen house and spent most of the day there -looks like they are trying for the great escape.

[mrs chook]

They free range all over & have their pick of the shade...usually under the patio table !! She has had a little walk & eaten some grass . I hope she'll b ok.

[ANHBUC]

Some of mine have dug under the hen house and spent most of the day there -looks like they are trying for the great escape.

They sometimes do that as the soil can be cool if it has some moisture in it.

They free range all over & have their pick of the shade...usually under the patio table !! She has had a little walk & eaten some grass . I hope she'll b ok.

You could try her with some layers pellets soaked in boiled water to make a porridge and cooled.  If she eats it she will get food and be hydrated at the same time.   

[mrs chook]

Different chook this morning! Eating & drinking lots, helping herself to my strawberries & running around !! Will keep an eye on her & hubby popping back to check @ lunch .

Thanks 4 all the advice !"

[tosca100]

Different chook this morning! Eating & drinking lots, helping herself to my strawberries & running around !! Will keep an eye on her & hubby popping back to check @ lunch .

Thanks 4 all the advice !"

That's good news. I have to admit I was a little alarmed when my new chooks were doing the same. They have the choice of two buildings and the whole house and run are under a walnut and pear tree. But were still panting and holding their wings out, as well as coming out in the morning panting. But they are fine and growing well, putting all their energy into looking beautiful and hopefully will one day lay! There are a lot of things to get used to in a country with proper sun.