golden Comet acting strange

[Pepper storm]

So yesterday we got our first egg. We originally thought it was the silkie, then decided it must of been the Golden Comet as she was squatting yesterday and this morning didn't come out of the coop whereas the other two roamed the backyard as per normal. However now we are unsure who is laying. (Sigh). This afternoon the GC came out of coop but is walking very slow and allows you to come straight up to her and pat her. she will even perch down to allow this. Usually she is a very flighty chicken and won't allow you to come near without running off. She seems to be breathing a little weird and looks bottom heavy. Any ideas what I should be looking out for. Should I lock the other two out of the laying boxes. To me she is not herself and worries me. First time chicken keeper so sorry if this is a silly question.as to whether she is ok.

 

[Sonya9]

This afternoon the GC came out of coop but is walking very slow and allows you to come straight up to her and pat her. she will even perch down to allow this. Usually she is a very flighty chicken and won't allow you to come near without running off.

Chickens can undergo a temperament change when the hormones kick in, I have heard of flighty birds becoming much calmer/friendlier when they mature and are "in the mood for love".

The "perching down/wanting to breed" would make me think it is mostly just hormonal overload especially if she is laying.

Since this all seems to be happening with the appearance of eggs and includes what sounds like sexual posturing I would tend to think hormones are the cause as it seems kind of unlikely for an illness to hit at the very same time.

 

[Pepper storm]

Hi sorry to report an hour after posting this "cheeky" was found dead. We have had a few deaths but this was harder as she was the head of the flock and seemed so hardy compared to the others.