Thanks for the update! I also think you may be correct about genetics. Aside from the watery stools, my girl is 100% healthy and of decent size. She hasn’t started laying yet (5 month old Cochin mix) so I can’t use that as a health indicator. I did however check her bio mom which is my sister’s hen and she has the same soft lower-hanging crop and apparently had the similar symptoms as a pullet. So perhaps it is genetic and of no real concern. ImAn update for anyone who is interested…
My hen is now 9 months old. She continues to have watery stools. She laid prolifically through August and September. Egg production began slowing in October. She has not laid an egg since October 19.
Aside from lack of laying, and the continued watery stools, she has no symptoms of being unwell. Her comb is red, no indication of fleas or mites, legs and face look good, eats & drinks normally.
Her half sister is now 4 months old. She hasn't started laying yet. She also has watery stools. I don’t plan to hatch anymore eggs from this hen.
obsessed with my girl (only one I consider a pet) and she has the sweetest disposition so I would still consider hatching one of her eggs in the future. Hopefully that gene won’t pass.