Is it normal for newly laying hens to get puffy looking?

[usfarmchicks]

My hens just started laying this week. I noticed tonight that the girls all look a bit rounder, sort of fluffy. Is it my imagination or do hens get a more rounded, puffy, mature look when they start laying?

 

[Birdlife99]

Usually puffy looking chickens have some kind of illness, as by puffing themselves it keeps them warm. Can I please see a picture so I can see if it is just them growing up or if there is something wrong. Have you noticed anything else different about their droppings? Also do you put apple cider vinegar in their water? If they are sick this would help strengthen their immune system.All you need is 5mL of vinegar in 1L of water. I hope this helps and your flock is ok

 

[FarmersHatchery]

The hens could also be going broody and are wanting to sit on some eggs. When ever my hens go broody and they get off of the nest to eat or drink, they are still are puffy from sitting on the eggs. If they are often sitting on the eggs, then that is probably it. Or, they could possibly be sick like birdlife99 said. Hopefully that isn't so though...Just watch them and see how they are acting. :3

 

[ChickenExtreme]

I believe they are just proud to be going through "motherhood" / laying, and they do usually have that more mature look after they start laying, I wouldn't worry to much, but It's always good to see pics

 

[donrae]

I don't notice any difference, so I would think something may be wrong with them. I'd post pics, maybe in the emergency/disease section.

 

[usfarmchicks]

They are acting perfectly healthy. They just look rounder. Maybe they are just maturing.