Backyard Fowl Keepers

I recently brought home two 7-month-old Orpingtons from a poultry show and have them quarantined. One started acting oddlyshe kept startling herself while looking at her wings repeatedly. Later, she began making gagging or choking motions frequently.

By the next day, she seemed lethargic, and now the second hen is also acting offshes not quite lethargic but isnt eating much and naps more than usual. Both have had some foul-smelling, loose poops.

Has anyone seen behavior like this before? Could it be parasites, stress, or something else?

The wing-startling behavior is interesting. Could they have mites or lice irritating them? Try checking for external parasites.

Keep monitoring and let us know if their symptoms change. Hopefully, it's just stress and they bounce back soon!

Strange poops and lethargy could mean coccidiosis. You might want to start them on Corid just in case.

Any chance they ate something toxic or moldy? Sometimes unfamiliar food or bedding can cause odd symptoms.

Have they been eating and drinking well since you got them? Dehydration or a diet change could be playing a role here.

Try offering them probiotics or apple cider vinegar in their water. It might help if their digestive systems are off.

I'd separate the more lethargic one from the other just in case it's something contagious. Quarantine is good, but extra caution never hurts.

It could be stress from the move. Some birds take a while to adjust to a new environment. Keep an eye on them and make sure they stay hydrated.

The gagging motion makes me think of gapeworm. Have you checked their throats for any red, irritated areas or worms?