Hen slow, comb turning dark...

[WB4IUY]

I'm not sure if this is a problem, or if my hen is beginning to molt. Yesterday I noticed one of my hens being slow moving, and not as vocal as usual. She spent the day by herself, and didn't roost with the flock last night. She stands mostly with her head pulled back/retracted I to her feathers. Her comb isn't red like it has been, but more of a darker almost purple/brown color. She's 2 years old and has been very active up until now. Any ideas?

Dave

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you get a closeup picture of her comb? Combs can be discolored from fencing injuries, but a dark comb may be a sign that she is not getting enough oxygen. Is it dark on the tips and rear, or all over? I would,try to get her taking more water. Some may enjoy having some of their feed mixed with a lot of water to make a mash, but change it often so that it doesn’t spoil. A bit of scrambled egg or tuna may help give her more protein and appetite.

Does she have any swelling or enlargement of her lower belly under the vent? What do her droppings look like? Is she still laying or has she stopped.

 

[WB4IUY]

I can't detect any swelling. Her crop doesn't feel impacted. She's eating and drinking. Can't tell about the laying. She just walks slow and all body motions (turning head, etc) seem slow. Not coughing or sneezing. She has lost feathers in her wings. Here's pics of her comb and wings.

 

[WB4IUY]

Ok.. another observation. I felt and rubbed her belly near her vent, as well as the other birds. She is definitely stolen and hard back there, unlike the other birds. Is that egg bound? Getting worried, now.

 

[WB4IUY]

Update... I tried putting her in warm water for 20 minutes and massaging the egg area, no luck. She now seems to be slipping away...