Moaning Rhode Island Red

[queenie_29]

Hello! So my 20 week old Rhode Island Red has been constantly moaning for most of the day, for the past couple of weeks. She has not laid yet, is eating and drinking fine, and looks perfectly healthy. The sound she is making is like a long, very loud drawn out moan.

She is bottom of the pecking order and often gets chased by the others. Obviously we have a soft spot for her, so if you have any idea what her moaning might mean, then please let me know!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

When reading the title, the first thought that came to mind was being egg bound but that wouldn't go on for two weeks so I'm at a loss.

 

[queenie_29]

When reading the title, the first thought that came to mind was being egg bound but that wouldn't go on for two weeks so I'm at a loss.

That's ok. I'm not really sure in terms of the time frame, so if she was egg bound how could I check for that just to be sure?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

If she has laid before, she would likely make frequent trips to the nest box and there would likely be pulsing of the vent as she tries to lose the egg.
Has she laid before?

 

[queenie_29]

Has she laid before?

No, she hasn't

 

[aart]

Might just be a grouser.

Can you get a video so we can hear it?
Vids need to be uploaded to youtube, or similar platform, then paste a link here.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

No, she hasn't

Pullets, in my experience, are more likely to become egg bound.
Check the space between the pelvic bones. Sometimes the onset of ovulation will occur before there is sufficient room for it to pass. Here is Aart's article on how to check.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[queenie_29]

Might just be a grouser.

Can you get a video so we can hear it?
Vids need to be uploaded to youtube, or similar platform, then paste a link here.

Sorry for the delay, of course whenever I go out to film her she stops moaning. I have attached the youtube link (hopefully it works), and apologies for the poor camera quality

Thanks for your help!

 

[aart]

Grouser.
Have had a few like that, it's annoying as all get out, hopefully she'll stop.... eventually.

 

[queenie_29]

Grouser.
Have had a few like that, it's annoying as all get out, hopefully she'll stop.... eventually.

Thanks for your help.