temp drop- birds acting weird? help!
so, my one year old crew is already stressed this week as we brought some pullets in 5 days ago, and a 6 month old bantam rooster.
they’re in a big crate in their main run because that’s the most secure at night. they have a roost bar in there & we have been covering w tarps at night and the pullets are happy and adjusting well. the little roo is sleeping up high in their second attached run (seems to be his preference) but running around with everyone else during the day
yesterday we got a storm and a 20ish degree temp drop overnight (down to mid 50s, nothing crazy) with pretty high winds this morning as well.
we usually get 6-7 eggs a day but the last few days we’ve gotten like 1…2-3! and some of my girls are puffed up this morning but otherwise acting fine. i’ve also noticed some of their combs getting floppy and a little dark at the ends.
i do have one broody hen who i moved with her nest into a maternity ward in the corner of the coop, there is another hen (my big roosters favorite, and i need to get her a saddle. he has made her back bare) has been spending more time in the nesting boxes too and sleeping there but isn’t actually broody?
i think the big rooster stresses everyone out already and he’s not protective or nice to them so considering getting rid of him.
anyways, the internet tells me the puffed up and comb issue could be totally normal weather/hormonal shifts but hoping for others input since this is my first year with all of this happening! i just want to keep my girls happy. TIA.