Hen's neck feathers high and she's panting

[Ch1ckn304]

I am new to chicken keeping; this is my first flock. The hens are 8 months old, already laying eggs. The one hen has had her neck feathers up for at least 3 days and started panting today. The weather is not hot or humid. I don't see evidence of mites or lice. Someone said to me that she could be broody?? Do any of you have any idea of what's going on? And what should my concern level be? Any thoughts, solutions? I hope you can tell what I'm saying by the pictures. Thanks!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I am new to chicken keeping; this is my first flock. The hens are 8 months old, already laying eggs. The one hen has had her neck feathers up for at least 3 days and started panting today. The weather is not hot or humid. I don't see evidence of mites or lice. Someone said to me that she could be broody?? Do any of you have any idea of what's going on? And what should my concern level be? Any thoughts, solutions? I hope you can tell what I'm saying by the pictures. Thanks!

Is she walking around clucking a lot?

When was her last egg?

 

[Ch1ckn304]

I saw her in the nest box yesterday, but by the time I checked again, other chickens had laid eggs in the box, and I can't be sure if this particular hen laid an egg.

She is walking around, but not clucking more than usual. I will monitor more closely tomorrow.

 

[Ch1ckn304]

She laid an egg yesterday while panting, but she wasn't panting all day. She ate, drank water, and acted as usual. The other hens pick on her at times. I deep-cleaned the coop and laid fresh bedding. Any thoughts?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She laid an egg yesterday while panting, but she wasn't panting all day. She ate, drank water, and acted as usual. The other hens pick on her at times. I deep-cleaned the coop and laid fresh bedding. Any thoughts?

She has stopped panting?

She may have been stressed trying to lay the egg. If she's getting picked at, maybe she's being kept from the nesting boxes and/or food/water.

If necessary, add another feed and water station to see if this helps reduce being picked at.