Odd egg laying behavior

[crystalsc]

One of my girls seems to be straining a lot when trying to lay. She finally left the nest box and is walking kinda stiffly and squatting around the yard like she’s trying to push. Could this be egg bound behavior? I have found a couple soft shell eggs in the last month so that’s why I was trying to watch them lay today. Also, one of my other hens, who bullies the straining lady with food, is following her around and pecking her or even jumping at her? Why would she do that? Poor girl is already stressed enough.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hi,

Your girl very well could be egg bound. If you don't have any Calcium +D, then crush a Tums for her.

I'd pick up some oyster shell as they all may need it. If you put it in a separate dish, then only the ones who need it will eat it, but this one needs the pill or Tums asap.

As for the pecking hen, I'd separate her for a couple of days as she seems to feel she needs to bully other hens. This may reset the pecking order amongst your hens.

 

[crystalsc]

Hi,

Your girl very well could be egg bound. If you don't have any Calcium +D, then crush a Tums for her.

I'd pick up some oyster shell as they all may need it. If you put it in a separate dish, then only the ones who need it will eat it, but this one needs the pill or Tums asap.

As for the pecking hen, I'd separate her for a couple of days as she seems to feel she needs to bully other hens. This may reset the pecking order amongst your hens.

Thank you so much. I do have oyster shells but they never eat it. It’s in its own dish. Should I mix it in with their food, maybe?

 

[Debbie292d]

Thank you so much. I do have oyster shells but they never eat it. It’s in its own dish. Should I mix it in with their food, maybe?

No, I wouldn't as you don't want them getting too much either. Usually they know when they need more so perhaps they are just fine.