Concerned About My Leghorn Hen Sitting Often and Drooping Wings

Understand flock dynamics, such as pecking order and territorial behavior. Share tips on training birds to come when called, return to the coop, and coexist peacefully.
User avatar
NestNurturer
Hatchling
Hatchling
Posts: 23
Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:31 pm
Location: São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil

Concerned About My Leghorn Hen Sitting Often and Drooping Wings

Post by NestNurturer »

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.
User avatar
HappyHens
Chick Keeper
Chick Keeper
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Jan 14, 2025 7:06 am
Location: San Miguel, El Salvador

Re: Concerned About My Leghorn Hen Sitting Often and Drooping Wings

Post by HappyHens »

A bacterial or fungal infection could be affecting her energy levels. Have you noticed any unusual odors from her mouth or vent area?
Raising chickens... Not eating chickens...
User avatar
DownyExplorer
Hatchling
Hatchling
Posts: 17
Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:52 pm
Location: Taichung, Taiwan

Re: Concerned About My Leghorn Hen Sitting Often and Drooping Wings

Post by DownyExplorer »

If she is holding her wings low, she might be experiencing heat stress or discomfort. Have you checked her for mites or lice?
User avatar
FeatheredFriend
Hatchling
Hatchling
Posts: 21
Joined: Mon Jan 27, 2025 4:36 pm
Location: Hamilton, Canada

Re: Concerned About My Leghorn Hen Sitting Often and Drooping Wings

Post by FeatheredFriend »

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?
User avatar
EggstraSpecial
Chick Keeper
Chick Keeper
Posts: 28
Joined: Mon Jan 27, 2025 4:36 pm
Location: Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis

Re: Concerned About My Leghorn Hen Sitting Often and Drooping Wings

Post by EggstraSpecial »

Sometimes hens sit more when they are egg-bound. Have you noticed if she is straining or having trouble laying?
User avatar
FluffyFeatherFiend
Hatchling
Hatchling
Posts: 20
Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:30 pm
Location: Darkhan, Mongolia

Re: Concerned About My Leghorn Hen Sitting Often and Drooping Wings

Post by FluffyFeatherFiend »

You mentioned she eats and drinks well, but have you observed her closely to see if she has difficulty swallowing or crop issues?
User avatar
HenEnthusiast
Hatchling
Hatchling
Posts: 22
Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:30 pm
Location: Carolina, Puerto Rico

Re: Concerned About My Leghorn Hen Sitting Often and Drooping Wings

Post by HenEnthusiast »

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.
User avatar
GoldenYolkGuy
Hatchling
Hatchling
Posts: 18
Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:30 pm
Location: Pasto, Colombia

Re: Concerned About My Leghorn Hen Sitting Often and Drooping Wings

Post by GoldenYolkGuy »

If there are no signs of illness or parasites, she might just be getting older and slowing down naturally. How old is she?
User avatar
CoopBuilder
Hatchling
Hatchling
Posts: 21
Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:29 pm
Location: Acapulco, Mexico

Re: Concerned About My Leghorn Hen Sitting Often and Drooping Wings

Post by CoopBuilder »

Have you introduced any new birds or changes to the flock? Stress from pecking order shifts can sometimes cause odd behavior.
User avatar
Eggcentric
Hatchling
Hatchling
Posts: 19
Joined: Thu Jan 30, 2025 7:29 pm
Location: Changchun, China

Re: Concerned About My Leghorn Hen Sitting Often and Drooping Wings

Post by Eggcentric »

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