Not sure if something is wrong with my chicken

[Gardenlady81]

I have six pullets. 3 barred rocks and 3 I think orbingtons. I got them on 3/16 and it's now 6/2. Not truly sure how many weeks they are, but did get them as chicks. They all care about each other and seem genuinely concerned when one isn't with the flock or wandered off. We let them roam around our 2 1/2 acre country lot a couple times a day. They always seem curious and active and stay together. One of my orbingtons didn't want to go along with the flock today and kept going in the coop and back out again. My husband and I just taught the flock how to drink from the nipples and I'm pretty sure they all got it. Her eyes look okay, but she's listless. Today is a pretty warm day, alittle humid but not unGodly. When she did go in the coop, she was trying to get into the nest area, which is still closed off. I'm hoping I didn't do anything wrong. I'm thinking it's got to be too early for her to start laying. I'm not really sure of the signs they show when they're about to lay. This is my first time with chickens, so I'm learning from this site, books and trial and error. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.....bad or good. Thank you

 

[Nocila]

I could be wrong, but I might open up the nesting boxes for her, and see what happens. Also, how long has she been listless? Are there any other symptoms of anything, such as puffiness?

 

[Fancychooklady]

When they are at point of lay the area around the face , comb and waddles will become redder .
Open the nest boxes and add another water supply just in case she hasn't figured the nipples out.

 

[Gardenlady81]

Yes. I added the little waterer when they were babies into the coop. I hope that it's just BC she wants to lay and not the worst. I don't see any puffiness. When her eyes r open they don't look glossy. And she's been listless just today. My son noticed it when he went to look at them around lunch.

 

[Fancychooklady]

Keep an eye on her if she starts squatting it means she is POL. On the other hand if she starts to isolate herself from the flock and her wings are dropped it could be something more serious.
Check that she is eating, drinking and pooping. Check for lice and I would consider worming everyone. This article on cocci gives you an idea on what symptoms to look out for in the event that you need to treat them for that.

http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/12/coccidiosis-what-backyard-chicken.html

 

[Gardenlady81]

I was constantly watching her. The other girls didn't want to leave her side. They looked almost concerned for her. She's the biggest bird in my flock, but I purchased them all at the same time. And, funny you should ask, yes....she is squatting. I thought she might be constipated..lol. Her vent is not blocked, so I didn't think that was an issue. We opened up one of the nesting boxes in case she may want to go in. We put two golf balls in the nest too. I went out this morning and the golf balls were there, but no egg. I looked at Penelope and she seems better today. I'm still going to keep an eye on her. I'll let you all know if something good comes out of all of this.......EGGS!

 

[Gardenlady81]

It ended up that the chicken in question ate alot....and I mean alot, of whirly birds that were flying around. My husband told me that after I posted all this. He said he even warned her. I guess she just ate too much. It's been over a month and it only lasted that one day.But she just started laying last week. So, all is good at my ranch. Thank you all so much for sharing your advice. I love this site.