panting chicken

[mr smartypants]

This is my first post on any website ever. We need some advice.. We have 3 white rocks and the hen just started laying eggs this week. So far she has had a laid an egg about every other day. This evening we noticed she seemed to be panting and more quiet than normal. We have never witnessed her laying her egg, they are in the carrier with her when we come home from work. Does she have one stuck or what else could be wrong?

 

[arlee453]

Where are you keeping her? Inside/outside and what are the temps?? They can overheat pretty quickly and she might just be overly warm if she is in an enclosed carrier (like a plastic dog kennel) in the house near a heat source? I'm not sure from your post...

Hopefully it's something simple like that, but if there is an illness I'll let others share their more experienced opinions on what else it might be.

Also, it is not unusual for a chicken to skip a day or two laying every once in a while, and especially when they are new layers.

Welcome to the forum! I'm sure you'll get some good advice here!

 

[mr smartypants]

She is inside due to the temp. I thought she may be overheating too so we took her outside on the deck for a few minutes to see if there would be a change. Nothing. She is not willing to stand on her own. Right now she's in the family room on the floor watching tv with us so we can keep a constant eye on her. It's cooler down here and if we walk by she perks up and looks at us. If we sit quietly she closes her eyes like she's trying to sleep.

 

[seminolewind]

I think other members here say to soak her bum in warm water, it does sound like there is an egg wanting to come out

 

[dlhunicorn]

if she is panting for long periods of times ...then you need to put her on electrolytes for a couple days to correct the acidosis that creates

 

[mr smartypants]

Good afternoon! All is well with my panting chicken! I spent my Friday night giving Puffer a spa treatment in my bathtub! Warm water soak for about 45 minutes, a rubdown and a gentle blow dry. Not only is she sparkly clean but this morning we found an egg in the cage. Her color is back to normal, no panting, walking around and very hungry! I was worried I would have to deliver some bad news to my children when they came home from their Dad's house this morning. Thanks to all for your helpful advice!

 

[jjthink]

So glad she's alright!!!!!!!!!!!
JJ