How do you prevent egg-bound? Is not laying for 4 days normal?

[princess araucana]

Hi,
My girls will be 1 year old in May. They have been laying pretty regularly, every day or every other day.
Their laying seems to have slowed a bit, but one who was very regular seems to have not layed for almost 4 days.
Is that OK? Her rump feels full, but I could not tell if there was an egg in there. She is pooping fine.

I've read too many egg-bound horror stories and don't want that to happen! How do you prevent egg bound?
thanks!

Ok, I just read through what other people had said. I don't seem to have any of the enviro or diet issues so maybe it is just normal dry spell...

 

[patyrdz]

Could she be moulting? I have heard that they don't lay then. Or maybe she is going broody!?

 

[JRT]

Well around here it's the time of year where we have alot of weather change and ours will go quite a few days without laying and then lay everyday straight for a while.

 

[artsyrobin]

since i'm new to chickens i'd like to know too- but with my finches, i have one that tends to egg binding, and i grind up egg shells for them to have if they need it- to ensure enough calcium- not sure if that would work with chickens

 

[princess araucana]

Her and another both lost some feathers on their back, not too many that I would think it was a molt. I thought is was just my roo who's spurs are just starting to come in and he can be a little agressive in the love department.
Her feathers are all growing in right now, maybe that is enough of a stress?