8 month old hen, swollen rear

[Suebaby71]

I have one hen that has still not laid her first egg. I thought she was showing signs, nesting, etc, but now I think she's not well. She is lethargic, the other girls were picking on her (just moved her out of there) and when I looked her over she is very swollen in the area under her vent. I don't feel anything like an egg in there, as a matter of fact the swelling feels "squishy", not hard.

Is it possible that she's egg bound and I can't feel it? I didn't put my fingers inside- kinda squeamish about that. I read some other threads about warm baths, is that appropriate here? What options do I have at home?

 

[Suebaby71]

OK, I've been reading more and now I'm wondering if this is a case of internal laying? If that's what it is, is it hopeless?

 

[Eggcessive]

It could be internal laying which is usually found in hens 2 and older, but occasionally in younger hens. Egg yolk peritonitis and salpingitis are other problems with the reproductive system. I would still glove up and insert the middle finger an inch or so inside the vent to feel for an egg stuck. Here is a little reading:
http://www.chickenvet.co.uk/health-and-common-diseases/egg-laying-issues/index.aspx
http://scoopfromthecoop.nutrenaworld.com/tag/laying-issues/