Weird behavior today-- illness?

[mamacearc]

I'm new to this and could use insights from folks more experienced: we have one hen (best guess 3-4 years old) who has separated herself from the rest of the chickens and is standing very still (for hours now) and breathing kind of heavily at times just today. I haven't seen her eat or drink in the last 3 hours, but that doesn't mean she hasn't all day. Any ideas on what or what not to do? I'm not planning to get a vet involved, but I'm not looking to jeopardize our other 8 hens either.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Has she molted yet? Some can act sick during it. Get a listen to her breathing to make sure there's no wheezing or rattling.

 

[mamacearc]

 

[mamacearc]

Not hearing any wheezing or rattling, but it's whole body breathing. I definitely get the impression she's trying to pass something. She's been laying sporadically for months...

 

[Eggcessive]

Older hens can suffer from internal laying or egg yolk peritonitis, but that may or may not be what is happening. Does she lay eggs? They may lose weight in the keel (breastbone) area, or become fuller in the lower belly with egg matter or fluid. Poor appetite and runny poos, walking oddly or preferring to sit or lie down can be common signs. Try to make her comfortable. Give her some extra treats of chopped egg, wet chicken feed, or chopped liver or tuna. Here is some info about EYP:
http://www.theveterinaryexpert.com/backyard-poultry/egg-yolk-peritonitis/

 

[mamacearc]

She's been laying sporadically for months. She is kind of hunching up like her abdomen is troubling her, and her tail feathers are working like she's trying to pass something. She seems to be doing off, but she's stayed standing. She did just go to the water bowl and drink, but now she's standing looking at the coop like she can't manage to get up in it.

 

[Abriana]

Sounds like egg binding

 

[mamacearc]

Is 3-4 years considered old?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Is 3-4 years considered old?

It's considered average. Most of my birds pass between 4-6 years, with some living less and some much longer.

 

[Abriana]

Some hens live to twelve