Old chicken panting.

[ChickenOwner13]

Hi, my chicken has recently started panting non stop although it is anything but hot out and I have noticed that she hasn't laid an egg the past few days. She is also quite old so maybe it's just her time but any clarification helps. Thanks in advance.

 

[azygous]

Panting is a sign of stress. Stress can come from an outside source or health issues. Mites are an outside source and can target an older chicken and stress them to the max. Check your coop at night for mites. You would see them on the legs of this hen.

An internal stress would come from a reproductive issue or cancer. If this hen has laid eggs in the recent past, she may be struggling with egg binding, especially if her eggs are sometimes of poor shell quality. If you suspect an egg issue, give

her a calcium tablet to stimulate contractions. That may help to address this issue, if this is her problem.