My Hen Is Acting Strange, What Could Be Wrong?

Learn to identify signs of common illnesses, administer basic first aid, and maintain a proactive health regimen for your flock. Connect with others about the best practices for preventing disease and ensuring long-term wellness.
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NestDetective
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My Hen Is Acting Strange, What Could Be Wrong?

Post by NestDetective »

Hi everyone, Im really worried about one of my hens. Shes usually active and curious, but today shes been acting really strange. Shes moving slowly, keeps puffing up her feathers, and seems like shes straining or pushing, but nothings happening. Shes also been sitting a lot, and when she walks, she kind of waddles.

I checked her over, and her vent area seems a little swollen. She hasnt laid an egg today, and Im starting to wonder if somethings wrong. Ive never seen this before could it be serious?

Has anyone else experienced this with their hens? What should I do to help her? Any advice would be so appreciated!
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TheEggMaven
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Re: My Hen Is Acting Strange, What Could Be Wrong?

Post by TheEggMaven »

NestDetective wrote: Tue Mar 04, 2025 1:29 pm Hi everyone, Im really worried about one of my hens. Shes usually active and curious, but today shes been acting really strange. Shes moving slowly, keeps puffing up her feathers, and seems like shes straining or pushing, but nothings happening. Shes also been sitting a lot, and when she walks, she kind of waddles.

I checked her over, and her vent area seems a little swollen. She hasnt laid an egg today, and Im starting to wonder if somethings wrong. Ive never seen this before could it be serious?

Has anyone else experienced this with their hens? What should I do to help her? Any advice would be so appreciated!


This sounds like classic egg-bound behavior. Try giving her a warm soak and keep her calm. Calcium supplements like Tums can help strengthen contractions.
TheEggMaven | Happy hens lay the tastiest eggs.
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ScratcherSavant
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Re: My Hen Is Acting Strange, What Could Be Wrong?

Post by ScratcherSavant »

NestDetective wrote: Tue Mar 04, 2025 1:29 pm Hi everyone, Im really worried about one of my hens. Shes usually active and curious, but today shes been acting really strange. Shes moving slowly, keeps puffing up her feathers, and seems like shes straining or pushing, but nothings happening. Shes also been sitting a lot, and when she walks, she kind of waddles.

I checked her over, and her vent area seems a little swollen. She hasnt laid an egg today, and Im starting to wonder if somethings wrong. Ive never seen this before could it be serious?

Has anyone else experienced this with their hens? What should I do to help her? Any advice would be so appreciated!


Waddling and straining often mean an egg is stuck. A warm soak and some quiet time might help.
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