Hi there
I went to let my hens out this morning, they both came outside and collapsed on to their sides with wings in the air. One is ok again now but the other is still doing this. Ive not seen them do it before. They both seem ok just doing this odd behaviour. I have taken a video of it, so if you copy and paste this link
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Any help or advice would be very welcome.
Thanks
Kiersten
Oh there is no need to copy and paste the link as the video has appeared.
Hi Kirsten, first let me say I know very little about hens as I only have ducks, but your video remindes me the only bird I have seen do this is doves in my bird baths as though they are trying to wash the under side of their wings, I understand hens have dust baths could this be what they are doing, although she looks to be lying to still for this
Mo
Hi Mo
They had only just come out of their house and came outside when they did this. The white one seems ok now. It was almost like a faint. Ive taken them some fresh cool water, it is 31C but thats not the hottest it has been so im not sure its even the heat. Im baffled.
Kiersten x
Hi Kiersten,
Looks to me like they are sun bathing. On the rare occasions we get hot weather here in East Yorkshire, my hens have been laying with their wings stretched out catching a few rays.
Hope this is what it is!
Kind regards
Sara @ farmingfriends
Hi Sara
They seem fine now thank goodness. I think they fainted (if thats possible). Someone advised maybe try some marmite so I did and they love it. Water melon later for them. Fingers crossed its just a passing phase.
Kiersten
ah that is hot hadn't realised you were in spain, its cold and wet here in the UK lucky you, hope they are fine now,
out of curiosity how did you feed them marmite ?
Mo
Hello Kiersten,
marmite is B vitamins isnt it? perhaps they need an extra tonic in this hot weather and are feeling a little faint, as thats what it looks like. I have never had hens but when my ducks or garden birds get hot, they lie on their front with wings outstretched and pant.
Hope they are ok :)
Sarah
Don't worry they are having a lovely sunbathe! I don't have hens and I've never seen my ducks doing it but I see this all the time with my other birds. I agree its quite startling the first time you see it, they look like they are having a stroke or something. My jackdaw basks in front of the halogen heater in exactly the same way.
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