Sudden Death from Suspected Egg Peretinitus

Hello,
I'm sorry this post is not very uplifting but I'm hoping for some advice from others who have been in a similar situation.

We lost our big, noisy and beautiful Bluebell very suddenly yesturday to suspected egg peretinitus (according to the vet). She seemed absolutely fine yesturday morning and was happily scratching around the garden. At about 1ish I checked on her as she was spending more time than usual in the nesting box, she seemed a bit dopey so I picked her up and checked her over. She didn't have smelly breath, her crop felt normal, comb and wattles were red. We thought she might just be a bit sleepy so brougt her in to let her rest and keep an eye on her. A long story and several attempts to help her later she was looking as if she was about to leave us so we took her to the emergency vet. She passed away A couple of minutes after we got there.

The vet checked her over and said that from what I could tell it was egg peretinitus (something that I hadn't thought of). I have several questions that I need help answering about this while situation-

(1) How common is egg peretinitus, what are the early signs and can it be prevented?
(2) How have others coped with the loss of there 1st pet hen and been able to carry on keeping chickens?
(3) What can I do to help out 2 remaining girls understand that she is gone?

I'm really struggling with self blame for not spotting the signs earlier. I don't want to stop keeping chickens but at the same time I feel helpless in this situation.

Any advice that can be given would be really helpful.

Thank you in advance from a devestated chicken mum!

I'm sorry to hear about Bluebell

Internal laying/reproductive disorders are fairly common. Unfortunately, EYP is usually quite advanced when a hen starts to show symptoms. They are very good at hiding illness. There really is no way to prevent EYP, what is happening is egg/egg matter is dropping into the body cavity (abdomen) instead of traveling through the oviduct, so there's no way to know this until a hen starts to show symptoms (some hens are very stoic and show no symptoms until they pass on). Antibiotics usually are not that effective, even when caught early, but may give some relief/supportive care and help prolong life. Some people have had success in using a Suprelorin implant this stops them from laying eggs, hopefully, giving them a chance to heal.

It's always hard to lose a beloved pet, whether it's a chicken, dog, cat, etc. We all deal with grief differently, it's sad that she is gone, but you have 2 other hens to love and care for. They need you, so take some time to be sad, think of the joy that Bluebell brought to you and then focus on the 2 ladies you have now, I'm sure each one has her own special way that you will come to love.

The 2 remaining hens will miss her for a few days, but will take the loss in stride and move on, forming their own little flock. Down the road, you may want to consider getting at least 3 chicks to raise and integrate with your 2, this way if another happens to pass, she won't be alone.


https://poultrykeeper.com/reproductive-system-problems/suprelorin-implant-for-chickens/

http://www.chickenvet.co.uk/health-and-common-diseases/egg-laying-issues/index.aspx
http://scoopfromthecoop.nutrenaworld.com/tag/laying-issues/

I have two in the house which i suspect have EYP. I have started them on a antibiotic. Hoping for the best but trying to be realistic.Just lost one about 3 weeks ago and had her cremated. It was very upsetting but then realized i had 9 others that needed me.It will take time but everyday look at the two you have left and say a thank you

Sorry for your loss. It is hard. We lost a chicken a few months ago. I think she had something wrong with her crop. It's had to loose them.