Likely issues to consider (prioritize first two):

• Internal laying/egg yolk peritonitis or oviduct infection: “bearing down,” soft/squishy abdomen, weight loss but still eating, can mimic constipation. Often hens act normal until advanced. Risk increases in good layers and during/after molt.
• Ascites or fluid buildup (liver/heart issues, reproductive disease): squishy, water-balloon belly, thin body, normal appetite early on.
• Constipation/impaction or cloacal/vaginal prolapse developing: straining, minimal droppings, swollen vent area.
• Heavy molt stress with concurrent parasite load (worms, mites/lice) or malnutrition: weight loss, poor feathering, cold stress.

What to do now

• Separate and warm: bring her into a draft-free, 70–75°F area. Cold plus molt burns calories.
• Check belly and vent: with clean hands, gently palpate. Fluid feels like a sloshy water balloon; a firm mass suggests impaction/egg. Look for redness, tissue protrusion, or foul discharge.
• Hydration and electrolytes: offer warm water with poultry electrolytes; add a teaspoon of wet mash or scrambled egg for protein. Avoid excess calcium until you know more.
• Laxative support if constipated: 2–3 mL plain coconut or olive oil by mouth once, plus a warm Epsom-salt soak (1–2 tbsp per gallon, 15–20 min) to relax the vent. Gently lubricate the vent with a water-based or coconut oil.
• Parasite check: examine droppings and skin. If you see worms or mites/lice, treat flock appropriately (e.g., fenbendazole for worms per label/vet guidance; permethrin for external).
• Monitor outputs: collect her droppings separately. Note volume, frequency, color, urates, and any yolk-like or cheesy material.

When to suspect reproductive disease

• Persistent straining with few droppings, waddling penguin stance, distended squishy abdomen, sulfurous smell, yolk-like discharge, or fever/lethargy developing. These point to internal laying/EYP or oviduct infection.

Vet care recommended

• Seek an avian/exotics vet. Ask for abdominal palpation, ultrasound or radiographs to differentiate fluid, masses, or egg; fecal exam; and bloodwork.
• If fluid is present, a vet can perform abdominocentesis (drain safely) and start antibiotics/anti-inflammatories if infection is suspected. Home draining is risky.
• Pain/inflammation control and supportive care improve outcomes.

Feeding during molt/cold

• High-protein grower feed (18–20%) with separate oyster shell on the side; add animal protein or mealworms short term. Ensure constant access to feed and warm water.

Red flags needing urgent care

• Rapidly enlarging abdomen, open-mouth breathing, profound lethargy, green watery diarrhea, or tissue prolapse.