New egg layer Rhode Island Red hen acting off?

[Crazychickenlady1216]

I have three 20ish week old Rhode Island Red hens, and one of them just started laying a week ago. Besides some extra loud squawking, she seemed fine, until this morning when I brought out some snacks and the two others came running, while she just stood still and quiet. She didnt seem to have much interest in eating, and wasn’t following the other chickens around like she usually does. Her upper chest/crop area also seemed a bit stiff but I’m not sure. Along with that, she opened her mouth wide and gaped once or twice, but she doesn’t exhibit any other symptoms of gape worm. Could any of this just be behavioral changes due to just now reaching maturity/egg laying age?

 

[ChicNmom]

Do you know if she's laid an egg recently?
Could she be egg bound? She might have some pressure build up or a crop issue.

 

[Crazychickenlady1216]

I think it could likely be a crop issue, but she laid an egg this morning, so she’s not egg bound

 

[aart]

Her upper chest/crop area also seemed a bit stiff but I’m not sure. Along with that, she opened her mouth wide and gaped once or twice,

Could she have eaten something that was hard to swallow?
Check her crop on the roost tonight and then in the morning before she eats anything to feel if it's emptied.

 

[Crazychickenlady1216]

Could she have eaten something that was hard to swallow?
Check her crop on the roost tonight and then in the morning before she eats anything to feel if it's emptied.

She definitely could’ve, I’m not sure what she could’ve eaten but yes, you never know what they’ll come across while foraging.Thanks, I will make sure to check that!