Lethargy and other strange behaviors

[GoldieOrpington]

I noticed one of my hens has been hanging out in the coop and won’t even come out for treats (100% unusual). She’s panting and holding her tail down. It’s not hot. I took her out and she stood frozen for a while then just laid down. No interest in running around, scratching, foraging, etc. like she’d normally be doing. When she does walk it’s very slow. No running at all. Any ideas what could be going on? I’m new to this. She just started laying this week.

This is her standing up:

And plopped down:

Lethargic inside the run:

 

[Perris]

she is really poorly; it may be connected with her starting to lay. I'll alert some experts who may be able to help you diagnose the issue
@azygous @Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock

 

[Wyorp Rock]

How is she doing?

She may be having difficulty laying an egg. I would give her 1 Caltrate for 3 days and see that she's staying hydrated.

 

[azygous]

Diagnosis requires questions and answers and ruling things out to arrive at the most probable cause of symptoms.

Have you checked her crop? Is there a discharge from her vent? Have there been any changes to their environment lately? Anything added?

 

[Eggcessive]

With her tail held low and not eating, she is seriously ill. It could be egg bound, a reproductive infection, or something else. Can you insert a clean finger into her vent to feel for a stuck egg? When did she last lay? Do you have any antibiotics or any Corid at home. Coccidiosis could be a problem, or the yellow liquid poops could be a reproductive problem.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can you get a video of the actions of the other hen? (upload to youtube and provide a link)

Photos of poop?

Often neck movements is adjusting the crop. What do you feed, do you provide grit?

You generally will not see worms in poop unless there's a heavy worm infestation. Can you gather some samples of poop and have that tested to see if worms are an issue?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Crop adjusting. Check her crop first thing in the morning before she's had anything to eat/drink, it should be empty. If it's not empty then read this https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/

 

[GoldieOrpington]

Thank you-- all their crops were empty and normal this morning. I'm going to keep them in the run for a few days so I can know exactly what they're ingesting and keep a close eye on them. I'm hoping whatever was bothering them last night has passed, as they are all still acting normal now.

Thanks again to everyone for the advice and support. I had no clue how much would be involved in chicken keeping when I got my girls, and I am so grateful to the wonderful people of this forum for holding my hand through it!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Keep us posted.

 

[GoldieOrpington]

Keep us posted.

So far still good!