Vent normal or problem

[peeber]

I have a 19 week old Buff Orpington whose vent looks different today. I noticed her walking around and her vent was protruding and retracting, almost like she was trying to poop. After a few minutes this stopped and she went on about pecking, with her normal puffy butt self. She didn't seem to be in distress, eating and drinking fine. Could this be a sign of impending egg laying or something to watch and be concerned about. My first chickens, by the way.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I have seen hens do that on occasion, I don't think it means anything is wrong unless they are really pushing and you are seeing red tissue protruding, it could be she is getting close to laying.

 

[peeber]

Thanks for your response. I'll watch her and see what happens. Interestingly, this morning she squatted when I approached her. First time for that too. Usually she flaps around and runs away.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

She must be getting close to laying, her vent will enlarge and moisten, so maybe it feels weird and makes them contract the muscles.

 

[chickens really]

I had a hen that was a layer already do the same thing sort of? She was constipated with a huge poop..She struggled for about two hours..Pooped a dog sized poop and then went in and laid her egg...I thought for sure she was going to die...

Never seen that before....