Getting ready to lay or is there a serious problem?

[crazychickenlady1997]

One of my chickens (either an EE or Ameracauna) has been acting weird for the past day or two. She hasn't been keeping up with the flock, but instead finding places in the pasture to nest or staying in the coop and roosting. Starting a week or two ago she started doing the "chicken squat," which I understand means she might start laying soon...but still no eggs.

I'm concerned she's sick or maybe egg-bound. But I hope she is just trying to lay her first egg!

Any thoughts?

 

[AlleysChicks]

I’d say she’s in preparation. May have to keep her locked up so you don’t have to go hunting for eggs. At least until she’s trained to lay. And let her go after she lays.

 

[HappyDancin']

So, hopefully she's just about to pop one out! Her system and instincts are figuring things out... (She might start laying her eggs all over the pasture! lol)

... Though, *IF* it is something wrong with her... You could check to see if she has parasites: worms, lice or mites? That could be sucking her energy and nutrition. It could be causing anemia - which will delay the start of laying, and would cause her lethargy, weakness, and her not feeling well...

Again, hopefully it's just egg-time!

 

[aart]

I’d say she’s in preparation. May have to keep her locked up so you don’t have to go hunting for eggs. At least until she’s trained to lay. And let her go after she lays.

This^^^ is more likely the case.
You can check her over off the roost at night for bugs, should do so regularly anyway.
Ans while you're at it take a look at her vent and check her pelvic points spacing.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/