Pullet tries to lay an egg but can't.

[mfr4550]

I have a several different types of chickens of varing age groups. In the middle age group 3 of the 4 have been laying for awhile now. Yesterday 2 of the eggs were soft when laid. There was also the regular 3 eggs in the nest. Today my Barred Rock (whom I believe has not been laying, though I've seen her in next boxes before) has been in the nest box twice, scratching and apparently trying to lay an egg but hasn't. Is this normal for a new layer?

 

[leadwolf1]

I have noticed that when mine get close to laying, they go in and check out the boxes, come out again, over and over. They are just checking out the accomodations and when they are ready, they will lay in their favorite box I don't think you have anything to worry about

 

[sumi]

Hello and welcome to BYC

It does happen sometimes that a hen becomes egg bound and can't pass the egg. Type "egg bound" in the Advanced search bar on top. There are lots of threads you can look at to make sure and it'll tell you how to help her if needed.

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

It is not unusual for pullets to lay shell-less eggs when they first start laying. If your other pullet is healthy and eating well, I would suggest just watching her for now.

 

[mfr4550]

Thank you, I'll check there.

 

[mfr4550]

Thanks that's good to hear. I will continue to research chicken issues and observe them. Maybe in a couple of days they will straighten themseleves out

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard.

 

[weimarmama]

& from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[Red Barn Farms]

Howdy! Yes, I think this is very normal. Mine use to do the same thing for a few days before they actually decided it was time to lay an egg. Another sign you've probably noticed is when a pullet squats whenever you walk around her. Normally this means she should start laying in a short while. Best of luck to you and your flock! They are such fun creatures!

 

[mfr4550]

Thank you. I love this site, it's so well designed and has wonderful members!