[chrisdobb]

Hi all
I am a newcommer to chickens and have got three laying hens and a cockerel, they were bought as POL some three months ago and were all laying pretty regularly, however last week one of them suffered a setback.
I should add I live in Spain and the weather has been extremelly hot.
Last Saturday morning I opened up the house to find her collapsed on the floor, I thought possible she was dehydrated and gave her some water which she drank a lot of she was clearly not well so I isolated her from the others to prevent them pecking her, She is eating very well and she seems bright in the eye and her wattles are erect, she is also very alert. I have been giving her water with sugar added and feeding her amixture of layers feed and growers pellets.
She does seem to be improving and this morning she was stood in her box, but when I get her out she just sits down sometimes with one or both wings outstretched.
Anyone any suggestions, or is the result inevitable.
Many thanks
Chris

[Roughlee Handled]

is she panting with her mouth open? Or is she sun bathing?

[chrisdobb]

No neither she sits in her box and seems really happy, she eats and drinks well, she just seems lame and not willing to move around.

[Vember]

Is she making any noise? rosey/purring ?

When you say collapsed in the house was she lay on her side?


Sarah

[chrisdobb]

Yes she clucks etc, she was on the floor upright but off her legs with her wings supporting her.

[Vember]

Is it possible that you could take a picture of her ?

Are her wings completely out stretched ?


Sarah

[chrisdobb]

Yes I will try to get a picture, this morning she was stood in her box and looked a lot better, however when I took her out onto the ground she stands for a few seconds then just drops to the floor she sits ther but looks around and is very alert, sometimes she will open one or both wings partially as if to support herself.
Chris

[Vember]

Hummmm not sure that your not describing a broody hen

What are her poops like?

I've just taken a few pics of one of my broodies I'll up load them now so you can have a look

T'is very tricky when you can't see the bird






Note that the wings do hang down more than normal, she is more fluffed up and ball shaped

Try putting a hand underneath her, if she snuggles down on to your hand then she's broody
If not I'll have to have a re think

Sarah

[chrisdobb]

Hi sarah
Just had another look at her and yes she is panting a little with her mouth open, but it is very hot now high thirties, I have taken some photos but dn't know how to upload them can you advise please
Chris

[Vember]

Have a read through this ...

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=19476.0

If I try and describe how to do it you'll end up really confused

[Hensington]

She's too hot and also to add to it she may be broody. Has she lost any feathers from underneath at all?

[chrisdobb]

No not lost any feathers, as regards the heat there is nothing I can do, she has loads of water and shade, also I have put sugar in the water.

[chrisdobb]

Hi Sarah
Photo attached (I hope)
Chris

[Roughlee Handled]

She looks hot/distressed to me.   The feather loss round her neck is that from the others? How old is she? Will she move at all out side or do you have to pick her up and put her away and pick her up and bring her out?

[Foxy]

she is too hot, I suspect the partial neck moult is due to stress.