Is Penny broody?

Penny, one of my blackrock chickens, hasn't been herself for a couple of days.  When we let her out into the garden, she either just stands doing nothing or she sits down and looks all puffed up.  I thought if she was broody she would stay in the nesting box.  She doesn't seem to be off her food and she is drinking plenty.  Any advice would be gratefully received 

Sadly it sounds a bit more like she is poorly. Does she have any more symptoms like breathing problems, runny nose, puffy or bubbly eyes or rattling? Has she laid recently, how old is she and when was she last wormed? Has the coop been checked recently for creepy crawlies?

Hi there. How old is Penny? Hybrid hens only tend to live 3 0r 4 years but of course some much longer. Would she be starting a moult, maybe? It might be worth giving her a careful examination just to make sure everything looks OK. Also check the hen house very carefully for Red Mite. This is best done once darkness descends. rub a piece of kitchen paper or white cotton along the bottom of the perch and if it come away with red dots of blood you have Rd Mite. The mite can take up to 5% of a hens blood a night and can make them feel very low when this is happening night on night.

She hasn't laid an egg since Saturday but this afternoon she seemed a lot perkier.  She was wandering round the garden with the other girls and seems more like herself.   We only got her in July this year and she was POL.  Thanks for all your comments, I will keep an eye on her and hope she keeps improving.