just after a little help with checking the difference between a hen that could be eggbound or a internal layer, has been paired up now for three weeks in a breeding cabinet. looking very large around the vent for a week now but has not layed . same thing happened last time she was paired up 6mths ago and didnt lay then. she is 3yrs old and has been feed cod-liver oiled seed for 2mths.

Sounds like she is an internal egg layer to me. If so, retire her from breeding permanently.

hi kaz , last time she stayed paired up for 5 weeks with no eggs but seem to return to normal a couple weeks after being returned to stock cage

Internal egg layers can sometimes die from egg peritonitis. Its best not to let them try laying eggs anymore as they lack the ability to form a shell over the egg and propel the egg out of their body. If yours is internal egg laying then it wont get better.

she feels very soft behind the legs , not hard like if she just about to lay. so i will seperate her tomorrow , thanks

i totally agree with kaz

hens who are incondition and thicken up but dont actually produce an egg with in 12 to 14 days ( 12 in my veiw ) of thickening should be taken out from breeders cabinet as something not right their

if hen is not egg bound their is not many other options lack of calcium could be one but if all the ticks are ticked then internal layer is only other option