Help!

[Chickmama672]

I have ten 17 week old red sex link pullets and one is acting very strange. She's very quiet and docile, although she is one of the ones that frequently will come see me of her own accord. They are out free ranging right now and she has separated herself from the flock and is either sitting or standing quietly with quite an odd posture..almost leaning or hunched forward, tail high, vent pulsating. Prior to when I noticed this behavior this evening she was eating and drinking normally and had a normal poop while I was watching. Vent looks moist and pink. No visible marks or injuries. Could she be gearing up to lay her first egg??

 

[Chickmama672]

A picture of her..and she kinda waddles more when she walks than usual

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I had one that struggled a bit laying that first egg, so that would be my guess as well. I'd keep an eye on her and see how it goes.

 

[Chickmama672]

Ok, so I was right..she was about to lay..very soft shelled and malformed and it was leaking inside her. Now what do I do?

 

[Chickmama672]

What looks like some egg white came out first and then the egg but it was very soft and definitely leaking

 

[Chickmama672]

The shell

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I don't think you can do much, but I will tag some people who may be able to help, @Wyorp Rock , @Eggcessive

 

[Chickmama672]

Her vent is clear and looks normal and it was only a bit of the egg white, not the yolk. The yolk was small, but perfectly intact.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would guess it broke right at the end. She probably was pushing it out too soon before the shell could be applied.

 

[Eggcessive]

Shell-less eggs in a new layer can be common. Just make sure that she has crushed oyster shell available in a separate container.