chicken

[corylus]

I have a warren hen age about 16 months, she has been on her own in a coop for 3 months, since bloody fox took her pals. Recently put 3 young warrens in with her. She was ANNOYED about this initially, stamping about the coop. Then all seemed to settle down together. But the last few days she's been all hunched up and looking miserable, still eating, but not her usual perky self. I'm taking her to the vet tomorrow but has anybody any idea what might be wrong? She was laying an egg a day all through the winter, but has stopped laying since April, she hasn't moulted. NB I've kept hens for about 6 years, and was brought up with them as my grandparents kept hens

[Kleiber]

I keep chickens too, corylus and I sympathise. Maybe initially she was asserting her authority but now, being outnumbered by the others, she feels a bit put out. She'll probably come round in a day or two, but it's wise to have her checked by the vet anyway. Can't you get her a little cockerel for company (or do you have problems with neighbours)? If you can get a cockerel, he'll help to restore order with the hens. Good luck. K x

[meltoadhall]

I wouldnt bother with a cockerel unless you plan on hatching some chicks out.
are they allowed into the garden at all, is the space big enough for them all?
they will sort out their own pecking order, you'll be lucky find a vet who knows what to do with a sick chicken (if it is sick), mine is useless

[Awoo]

Sounds like he/she might have a pip on its tongue.

[Kleiber]

meltoadhall, I beg to differ! Cockerels aren't just there to pro-create. They keep order in the chicken run and sort out the pecking order amongst the hens. If corylus hasn't got any near neighbours who would complain about the "dawn chorus", then getting a cockerel would be an excellent idea, for the hens' sake.