Chicken won't come out of laying box and wont lay

I have 2 hens, 8 months old. I let them out free range when I am around for 3-4 hours a day (I live in the city). They both started laying a month ago. Three days ago one of the girls,Bel, went into the nesting box during their free time (she does this when she is ready to lay) and would not come out. She has not laid an egg. Cleo has not laid an egg since either. They both had been regular layers, every day -every other day. I checked Bel's poop and see no evidence of worms. I take her out of the box a couple of times a days or she would not eat or drink, she stays out for about a 1/2 an hour and then goes back to her spot.

They eat layers chicken feed and corn and some fresh fruit and vegies plus what ever bugs/grubs or worms they find. They also get DE mixed in their food and into their bedding.

I live in MN so it is well into fall. Is this molting behavior? Could she have had too much DE? Any ideas?

Patti

 

Thank you Thank you Thank you. What you describe is exactly what is happening. She has her feathers all puffed up. I will keep getting her up to take care of her physical needs. This makes me feel a whole lot better.

 

ah yes, a frustrated young hen. But is it right for new chicks to be raised by same-sex parents????:

 

No unsual lumps or pain when I touch her anywhere. I am using the food grade DE recommended by the farm store who supplies my feed and bedding. It is recommended for animal and human use. I think she is broody. She is fine when I take her out to eat and clean up. She plays with Cleo, my other hen and then she goes back to the nest.