My Chicken Isn't Moving Around Much and Squawks When She Does

[ChickensLove]

Hello everyone! Can someone please help me to understand what is going on with one of my sweet chickens? She stayed in her nesting box most of the day, so I placed food next to her so she would eat something. Then she came out, ate a little bit more, and would squawk, as if she was in pain. Is it possible her egg is stuck? I am fairly new to chickens. Mine are a little over 1 year old. Someone pleeease help me to understand what may be wrong, and what I can do to help!! I'm looking for a chicken vet, but so far haven't found one near me. Hoping this is something that will just go away on it's own.

 

[Ninjasquirrel]

Do you know when she last layed? I know ot might seem a bit perturbing but you can find out if she's egg bound by putting a finger up her vent. If you can feel an egg she is more than likely having difficulty passing it. You can aid her along with some olive oil or coconut oil. Unfortunately you just need to wait and hope it comes out. How long has she been like this? Sometimes i worry about my hens unnecessarily as sometimes things just take a little longer

 

[CindyinSD]

It’s the time of year when hens like to go broody. I have two like that—Columbian Wyandottes both. When a hen is serious about it she’ll peck you. Only one of mine pecks when I take her off the nest and set her by the feed trough. She does eat, though, when I put her there. Does yours eat? Does she drink? You can put on an exam glove (or not—but do scrub your hands first in that case) and some lubricant (Vaseline, etc.) and feel inside her for a stuck egg if you think that’s what’s going on.

 

[coach723]

It's very possible she's gone broody. This video is a typical broody hen:

If she is broody and you are not going to hatch eggs, then it's best to break them. They don't eat or drink well and it's hard on them if they aren't going to raise babies. This link tells some ways how. I always use 'chicken jail' as it works. I've got two hens in chicken jail right now. Summer heat seems to often trigger broodiness in mine, and I don't let them sit if it's really hot, as it is now where I am.
https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/6-ways-to-break-a-broody-hen/

 

[CindyinSD]