Backyard Fowl Keepers

Hey everyone,

I am a bit worried about my Leghorn hen and was hoping to get some advice. Over the past couple of weeks, she has been sitting down multiple times throughout the day. Other than that, she seems totally fine. She is eating, drinking, and pooping normally.

I have checked her feet for injuries, and she does not seem to be in pain when I pick her up. But I have noticed that she has been holding her wings lower than usual, and her earlobe is starting to turn white. It is not weather-related, so I am not sure what is going on.

Does anyone have any ideas on what could be causing this? I would really appreciate any insight.

Thanks in advance.

A bacterial or fungal infection could be affecting her energy levels. Have you noticed any unusual odors from her mouth or vent area?

If she is holding her wings low, she might be experiencing heat stress or discomfort. Have you checked her for mites or lice?

It could be that she is starting to feel weak due to an underlying illness. Have you checked her weight to see if she has lost any?

Sometimes hens sit more when they are egg-bound. Have you noticed if she is straining or having trouble laying?

You mentioned she eats and drinks well, but have you observed her closely to see if she has difficulty swallowing or crop issues?

Since her earlobe is turning white, it might be a sign of anemia. You could try adding more iron-rich foods like leafy greens to her diet.

If there are no signs of illness or parasites, she might just be getting older and slowing down naturally. How old is she?

Have you introduced any new birds or changes to the flock? Stress from pecking order shifts can sometimes cause odd behavior.

Has she been wormed recently? Internal parasites can cause lethargy and changes in appearance over time.