Any ideas what this means?! Hens puffed feathers

[colette peters]

Any suggestions what this characteristic means??
So this is Joe (female) for Jolene, she’s about 3.5, stopped laying a year now she’s super healthy, but notice in the last month her rear feathers stay puffed up. She’s not molting and not sure what this means?
View attachment 1843891

I just cleared and killed the coop mite infestation that’s now mite free
But could this feather thing be mites nesting in her legs that’s an issue?
View attachment 1843894
@Texas Kiki

 

[CluckNDoodle]

Have you heard her making broody hen clucks at all or spending time in the nest box even though she's not laying? Mine walk around all puffed up when they're going broody and they can continue to go broody even after they stop laying. Otherwise, it can also be a sign of illness especially if she seems lethargic.

 

[colette peters]

She’s definitely not lethargic, but every 48 hour she likes to go in the nesting box and brood for an hour or so.
She does the same characteristic as laying where she likes to grab straw and move it around her.

 

[colette peters]

Have you heard her making broody hen clucks at all or spending time in the nest box even though she's not laying? Mine walk around all puffed up when they're going broody and they can continue to go broody even after they stop laying. Otherwise, it can also be a sign of illness especially if she seems lethargic.

She’s definitely not lethargic, but every 48 hour she likes to go in the nesting box and brood for an hour or so.
She does the same characteristic as laying where she likes to grab straw and move it around her.

 

[CluckNDoodle]

She’s definitely not lethargic, but every 48 hour she likes to go in the nesting box and brood for an hour or so.
She does the same characteristic as laying where she likes to grab straw and move it around her.

It's very possible she's just thinking about going broody then! The real giveaway of a broody hen is their short repeated clucks and then eventually she will want to sit in the nest box and not come out, lol.
Fingers crossed that's what it is!

 

[colette peters]

It's very possible she's just thinking about going broody then! The real giveaway of a broody hen is their short repeated clucks and then eventually she will want to sit in the nest box and not come out, lol.
Fingers crossed that's what it is!

I’m not sure what short repeated clucks sounds like?
Does that happen when she’s in the box? Or just in general?

 

[CluckNDoodle]

I’m not sure what short repeated clucks sounds like?
Does that happen when she’s in the box? Or just in general?

Once they commit to being broody it's pretty much anytime they're walking around and will continue to do this distinct cluck after chicks hatch so that the chicks learn the sound and follow her.
Not as much when sitting in the box but they will fluff up and make almost velociraptor sounds when disturbed in the box.

 

[Kiki]

Not laying isn't really that healthy. Chickens lay eggs...that's what they do.


Feel her belly area...compare it with some of your other birds.
See if it feels full and hard or squishy.

 

[colette peters]

Not laying isn't really that healthy. Chickens lay eggs...that's what they do.


Feel her belly area...compare it with some of your other birds.
See if it feels full and hard or squishy.

How often should chickens lay? Every 24 hours?
I’ve got 11 hens 2 are brooding at the moment.
Should I be getting at least 8 eggs a day??

Lately my egg production is dismal I get 3-7 eggs a day and it’s always off. Like yesterday was 3 (my worst day) then the day before was 6. I haven’t changed anything.
Food supply and brand is the same. It’s been bothering me and I’m becoming neurotic to see who’s laying.
I’ve had my hens 3 years and they are 3,2,1 years old and lost 3 in the three years to health. Never a predator.
All of their comb are bright red and they are all active and together.
Sorry but since you brought up egg production, I’m now concerned.
Thanks

 

[Chickassan]

Dumb question, but have you tried smoothing down her cushion with your hand to see if she's doing it or if that is just how they are at the moment?