[KittyBoo]

Hello everyone.
I am new to this forum and please forgive me for not going to the page for newcomers to introduce myself, but I am in a bit of a panic about one of my 2 hens.
They were both fine this morning and layed an egg each and then I let them out into my garden as I was at home all day.
Now one of them has gone totally listless and is just standing in one place with her eyes shut.
She isn't interested in following the other one or scratting around in the garden but she has been to the drinker for some water.
I am a newbie at keeping hens so you probably think I am paranoid.
 I have lifted her into the hen house and she has come out again.
Is she just having an off day?
I will introduce myself in the right place on the forum now.
Thanks

[Jellyhead]

Are you sure she isnt just tired :?

[poultrygeist]

Welcome Kittyboo.

Worrying isn't it when they do that. We sometimes have one that does it.
I read that it was often due to preparing to lay a soft egg. Which in itself can be due to a variety of reasons.
If there are no other symptoms then it's probably nothing to worry about and she'll be running round again soon but keep an eye on here for any other problems.

Has she been eating and drinking ok ?

rob

[Porffor]

I'm really new to chickens, so no advice from me.. but Welcome to the forum!

[Jellyhead]

You saying that Rob has made me think of our Camilla. I swear she has narcolepsy. She can be standing there awake and eating or whatever and then her head droops and she goes to sleep. I used to get worried about her but she was one of my first ever chooks and it been 2 years now. Bless her I dont think she lays eggs, if she does, she does it secretly and she is also top of the pecking order, which is saying something cos shes a Wyandotte Banty

[babe]

if its raining today, she could be stuffed from all the juicey worms.

[KittyBoo]

Thanks for replying so quickly - that's very reassurring to know.
I feel really daft because she does look tired but when you are new to hen keeping you think the worst don't you?
I have put her and the other chook in their pen at the top of the garden where their house is so wil keep an eye on her.
Have not seen her eating - just drinking.
Thanks again.

[Jellyhead]

Keep us posted Kitty Boo, Lovin the name by the way, how dya come by it?

[poultrygeist]

I was inserting a new gate into the run the other day (it was quite warm) and 2 of ours were fast asleep about a foot from where I was sawing, hammering and drilling.
As suggested maybe they just like a bit of a rest now and then, especially if they're full up and need to digest.

We need a resident chicken psychologist.

Rob

[Jellyhead]

..........Babe where are you      

[Porffor]

don't feel silly.. you asking and getting answers means it helps the likes of me!

[poultrygeist]

Helps us all.

It's the caring sharing problem page.  

Rob  

[KittyBoo]

Keep us posted Kitty Boo, Lovin the name by the way, how dya come by it?

Thanks - obviously not real name but not far off. Used to be called Kat Balou when I was little which is even closer to my real name. I think she was from a Western film - eyes like an angel fights like the devil (and a bit of a tomboy) which I was.

[babe]

..........Babe where are you      

im here jelly...whats up???

was just finishing putting my name on my new PINK suitcase strap  

[KittyBoo]

Just to update on my poorly chook.
Was dreading opening their hut this morning in case only one came out but they were both there.
She is still just standing around alot and seems to be drinking alot too.
At the moment she is stood in the rain.
I have put her in the hen house but she does keep coming out.
Should I just leave her as she could go for shelter under the house or fasten her in the house to keep her dry?