Constipated hen?

[K R 2709]

I have a hen who appears to be constipated. She laid an egg yesterday and I couldn't feel anything so I don't think that she is egg bound. She eats and drinks but sits Dow every few steps and appears to be straining.

 

[Eggcessive]

She may not be drinking enough water in the cold weather. I would put a probiotic in her water or give her a small amount of buttermilk 2-3 days a week. I would still check inside the vent 1-2 inches with a finger (wear a rubber glove and lubricate it well to help with passing her droppings) and check her for a stuck egg. Give her some applesauce since that might help her go. Also try adding some water to a small amount of chicken feed to make it soupy--that may get more water in her, and chickens usually like mushy feed.

 

[K R 2709]

She has passed a dropping so I don't think that she is constipated. She is still acting strangely. Any idea what could be wrong??

 

[Eggcessive]

What do her droppings look like? Was it normal size? Did you check inside her vent for another egg? How old is she? Could she be an internal layer?

 

[K R 2709]

Hahahaha sorry to keep everyone waiting. A couple days afterwards she laid and egg that was almost a perfect sphere.