Hen acting strange

[southie]

I have 8 ri red / jersey giant breed(bout 16 weeks) . Tonight while putting them to bed one of my hens was missing it was bout 9pm and dark looked all around yard for her but found nothing. When's back into pen and spotted her up in rafters??? She was panting and would not let me pet her can anyone tell me why she did this?? Is she getting ready to lay ??? New to chickens please reply

 

[Judy]

It's quite normal for them to want to sleep in the highest spot they can get to. Panting this time of year (dpeending where you live) may simply be a sign of summer heat. They will pant, hold their wings a little away from their body, and drink extra water in hot weather -- and they need shade and breeze. they do not tolerate heat well.