Eggbound? Help!

[Chickenlover8814]

Hi everyone, we have 3 year old ameraucana hen who usually lays every day... the past 2/3 she has not layed anything and I'm starting to worry. I have seen her in the nesting box but when I feel under her to check for an egg she gets up and walks away. She is not broody because she is out in the yard most of the day and does not puff up or cluck in a weird way. I was wondering if she is about to molt but I haven't seen any feathers, we also thought maybe because it's almost fall she is out of season (although it's still really warm and the days are long). She seems perfectly healthy other than this. If anyone knows what my be going on or has any advice please let me know!
-Chickenlover8814

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I don't worry unless they are acting sick. I see many hens go into the boxes and get out without laying. Only they know why. Maybe they felt something that felt like an egg but wasn't. Maybe they got in too soon, and need to come back later?

If your hen is 3 years old and still lays daily that's quite impressive. The molt has started on some of my birds, so many of mine are shutting down for the season. Yours may be getting close too.

 

[aart]

The days may still seem long, and temp doesn't really matter, but they are shortening exponentially in the last few weeks, the birds know this and their bodies are responding. They can start to slow/stop laying well before you see feathers fall.

I don't worry unless they are acting sick.

Yes, an egg bound hen will show symptoms of distress.

 

[WVduckchick]

Why feel under her while she is still inside the box?? You could be disrupting her process. Just wait till she exits and then look for an egg.

"Close the door, I'm tryin to poop!"

 

[aart]

"Close the door, I'm tryin to poop!"