I'm stumped!

[ArchersMom]

I have a red sexlink hen who's just over a year old. She free ranges during the day with 3 pullets and 2 cockerels. A few weeks ago, I went out in the yard and found her sitting under a bush looking extra fluffy. I first feared she was egg bound, but she was still passing stool so I decided to give her time. I gave her a soak in some warm water, Tums and left her in the coop for a few hours. When I checked her again she was back to her old self. Running around the yard, drinking and eating. She laid the next day and I thought everything was fine. But this morning, she was acting off again. I did the same as last time and she's once again free ranging and acting like nothing's happening.

 

[micstrachan]

What does she eat, besides what she gets when she free ranges? Laying may take a bit out of her. A free choice calcium supplement, like oyster shell, might help her with laying eggs. Are her egg shells nice and thick?

 

[ArchersMom]

I forgot to post that. She has layer feed and oyster shell always available. She gets scratch grains and meal worms for treats, she mostly free ranges grass and bugs. This morning she just didn't want you get out of the coop. She also hasn't laid in a few days, I think 3. But her shells are always thick and strong.

 

[WVduckchick]

Maybe she is considering going broody? I know it's not common with sex links, but I had one hatch some chicks. (she was the most evil broody ever! Lol!)

 

[ArchersMom]

I'm new to chickens so I've just been googling, but I did consider that. I hope that's all it is. I'd love to get her some eggs!

 

[WVduckchick]

Has she pulled any feathers from her chest?
I hope that's all it is too. If she acts normal otherwise, it was the first thing that came to my mind.

 

[ArchersMom]

I've seen her pulling them from the front of her legs....

 

[WVduckchick]

I've seen her pulling them from the front of her legs....

Maybe check her over real well for bugs, mites, ticks, etc too. The bath could either be breaking her broody tendency for a brief time, or it could be relieving whatever is bugging her temporarily.

 

[Mechtel8989]

You gave her tums? Antacid? I'm new to chickens. Why would you give them tums?

 

[ArchersMom]

You gave her tums? Antacid? I'm new to chickens. Why would you give them tums?

For extra calcium, in case she was egg bound. Tums are just calcium bicarbonate.