Gaping: it must be something more...

[Wyorp Rock]

I don't really feel swelling below the vent but when I gently kneeded there she did the same thing, sunk down and then rose up gaping. It was clearly distressing and in the same way as kneeding the crop. I did do it a couple times to try to understand what is going on, I guess maybe there is bloating and the squeezing pushes gaseous air out??

She doesn't gape all the time, it's episodic. And she's not hunched over all the time; she was pert-tailed at noon.

With your description, I'd think she has something reproductive going on or perhaps liver related.

The gasping/breathing reminds me of hens that have fluid in the abdomen (a symptom called Ascites). This symptom can be due to organ failure (liver/heart) and/or reproductive disorders.
I would try Aloe Detox to see if that helps since you are not feeling a lot of fluid in the abdomen, but she's showing discomfort. Dosing and where to find it is in this link. https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...le-to-move-now-laid-egg.1446105/post-24045478

Sometimes we can try many things and nothing makes much of a difference, it can be frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time.
Do the best you can, keep her fed and drinking, check her crop periodically to make sure it's emptying. Check for lice/mites, etc.

 

[aliris]

OK thank you, will do! She' such a sweet chicken. So fond of her, I'll try it all. Would miracle-calcium help? Or is that only a miracle when eggs are being laid regularly?