Hen is acting normal but has not pooped or laid an egg in 4 days.

[Hengirl22]

Hello!
My 4-year-old easter egger hen recently started acting weird. I noticed she was in the coop all day and standing with her neck stretched out and her tail down. It looked like a very mild penguin stance but slightly different. I lost my rooster on Wednesday, and I noticed this behavior on Thursday. I wasn't sure if it was due to the sudden loss of him, but I quarantined her right away. I feed the flock payback layer pellets with 17% protein.
Right now, she has access to clean water, Rooster Booster Poultry cell mixed with water, and feed with oyster shells mixed in. I have also been giving her scrambled eggs and cooked lentils. I have given her multiple Epsom salt baths and massaged her abdomen; I don't feel an egg and there's a chance that she retired from laying a few months ago. She is acting normal now but still has not pooped since I quarantined her (4 days ago). Should I get her calcium citrate with vitamin D pills? Or is there anything I can do to treat constipation?

 

[Sondraa]

Hi there. That isn't good. I am not a chicken guru but I did some research on this site for you. See link below.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ied-and-true method,the chicken to pass stool.

 

[Sondraa]

This may be a good place to start. I am sure an educator will chime in shortly. They usually want to see pictures or a video. Maybe you could add these items in preparation? Is an avian vet an option?

 

[Eggcessive]

Is she pooping, and what do the droppings look like? She has not pooped once in 4 days? Can you get a disposable glove, and lubricate it, and insert a finger into her vent 1-2 inches to feel for an egg or obstruction? Pictures may help. I would take the oyster shell out of the feed. It needs to be available where she will take it only if needed. Hens her age may stop laying due to the short daylight hours in winter. Or she may have stopped altogether. You could try giving her a dose of calcium just to see if she might be egg bound. If she cannot poop, she could be egg bound. Stop the soaks, and place her on a warm towel and bedding.