Hen always in nesting box

[marchy96]

I know other threads have mentioned that a hen can become broody but I am concerned it is more than that. Any insight would be helpful. Here is her backround. I have 5 one year old red comets, or sex-link hens that are all great egg layers. One a day. Rarely four or less. The hen that has been in the box for the past 5 days has her tail in the air like she is laying an egg. But now I have only been getting four eggs and I believe it is the hen in the box that has not been laying. I read other posts about hens that were egg bound, but I saw her poop just the other day so that ruled that out. I think?. I took her out of the box yesterday and she ate some grass and drank some water, but all the while she was puffing up her feathers and occasionally fluffing up her feathers like she was cold. Finally, she stopped roosting with the other four, and now sleeps (I assume all night) in the nesting box. Fighting an infection? Broken egg inside? Broody? Any insight is appreciated.

Dave

 

[Judy]

There are a few things that often go wrong with a hen her age and breeding, and none are good. Internal laying, broken egg inside, ovarian cancer, and yes, eggbound. You could try treating her for eggbound with warm baths and rest for a day or two in a darkened, quiet place.

 

[Sjisty]

Is she acting differently? Growling or trying to bite you? If so, I vote broody.

 

[marchy96]

No, she is still real nice and not aggressive.

 

[marchy96]

Turns out that she was just broody. Her feathers returned after a late summer moult and now she is the prettiest hen in the coop. Thanks to all that replied. Merry Christmas.