Hen sits around in weeds when turned loose to range

[ThiefPouter06]

When I turn my chickens out my BO hen runs to the weeds and sets like she wants to lay an egg. Througout the day I find her in other spots doing the same. Today she has in the fence row. When you approach her she runs off and squats elsewhere. Second day now. Could she be eggbound? She hasnt layed any eggs for 4 days. Or is she hiding from the rooster who likes her more than the others? She goes back into the coop at night and roosts up top like always.

 

[ThiefPouter06]

hmmm

 

[Rte.66_chicks]

I can't really answer, but your idea about avoiding the love machine may have some merit. Hopefully someone with more experience will answer soon.

 

[sammi]

is she walking normally?
does she sit a lot in the coop?

is she laying as usual?
is she eating?
does she act ill?
describe the droppings..color and consistency.

she could be hiding, or broody..
some hens go "half-way" broody..
are you sure she's roosting at night, and not sitting in a nest box?

 

[ThiefPouter06]

She perches in her normal spot, no eggs. Only have one other hen that lays so their is never more than one egg a time (they lay in differant boxes). Dropping in the coop are fine. She feels ok. Threw a fit last night when I picked ger from the roosts to feel her over. I am starting to think she is stressed from being over harrassed by the rooster. I have two other hens but I have never seen him mount them. My old RIR runs away from him and my young SLW never seems to catch his eye. THe BO hen is the only one with displaced feathers from mating. He was raised with only buff brahma hens before I got him. Could my BR roo have a buff fetish? I am beginning to think she is hiding from him. My RIR hated my original BO roo, she would stay at my neighboors house and return at night after they went to roost. Now that he is gone she stays with the others. Now its the BO hen that stays gone. I think I found my answer. I guesss I need to get some buff hens.

 

[Indiana hens]

My thinking: moult, and or mites