Puffing neck and head feathers and acting weird

[pc88]

I have six hens that are about 9 months old and I've never really had any issues or seen much pecking until today. One girl is puffing up her neck feathers, and most of her body, with her tail up very high, while sort of opening up her wings. And then the other girls will peck at her. She only is doing this when other chickens are coming near her. She then runs back into the coop, which is also unusual. It has been about 95-100 degrees here near Charlotte for a few days now and I've tried putting out a fan and keep plenty of fresh and cool water out so Im not sure if its heat or stress related? She is eating and drinking. All six laid eggs today, and I did notice one of the last 2 laid had a lot of white residue / coating on it which I'm assuming is extra calcium? Thanks for any help.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

It sounds like she's broody. Look for her often in the nesting box. If she's not broody, she's either Talking Broody, or having a hard time in her pecking order. But I think she's broody.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Here, check out this article. : Signs you have a broody hen

 

[pekin queen]

is she maybe broody?

are there any pics of the egg?

 

[Chicken Quest]

It sounds like she's broody. Look for her often in the nesting box. If she's not broody, she's either Talking Broody, or having a hard time in her pecking order. But I think she's broody.

I agree with Lacy. It sounds like she's protecting something inside the coop

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Yep, broody!

Welcome to BYC!

ETA: showing early signs anyways since she did lay today. Laying should cease within a couple days.

 

[pc88]

Thanks for all the help! I did notice a huge poop today, and a lot of the behavior is making more sense. I'm glad she isn't sick.