[JackieBu]

Hi. I'm new to chicken keeping, unless you count a few years as a child too long ago! We recently took some ex bats (4) about 4 weeks ago. Two beautifully feather, the other two in not to bad a condition when you compare them with the majority there that we're naked. The largest feathered one appears to have gone broody- on the nest most of yesterday and although kicked out of the hen house today she has found a nice dust bowl to sit it. I noticed her poo was very watery this morning when she left the coop and just now on being picked up she was 'sick' with watery substance. Or maybe she was just spitting! Her crop was enlarged and her breast bone felt more prominent. Her comb and wattle are deep red. She is also rather musty smelling, or at least my jumper is after holding her! Is this the classic signs/symptoms or is there something else I should keep an eye on.
None of the birds seems to roost at night but prefer the nest boxes despite them being lower than the bars.

[ANHBUC]

Welcome to the site JackieBu.

It does not sound broody to me but she could have a crop problem.  They can suffer from impacted crop, usually through eating long grass or other things that get stuck in the crop.  The other thing could be sour crop which would give off an odour.  There is some information on both on THIS PAGE  The watery poo might indicate that her food is not getting through due to a crop problem or it could be a sign of worms or even kidney problems.  Information on prevention and treatment for worms is HERE and the picture gallery of different poos are HERE   

[JackieBu]

Thanks ANHBUC. So glad there are forums like this and the technology. Reading sour crop I think it might possibly be this. Her crop felt fluidy rather than hard so I will check for sure before I let her out in the morning. I wonder if she might be a little broody too as we caught her yesterday moving from the nesting box where she had been to one with an egg. The poo page is helpful too but is there anything that shows comb and wattle signs that I could refer to in the future.

[ANHBUC]

Most hens prefer to be in a nest box that others are laying in.

I don't think there is a specific topic with comb and wattle pictures but if anyone wants to start one they are more than welcome to.   

[Sparkyrog]

it would be unlikely but not impossible for an ex batt to go broody .