Egg bound

tenmile67

In the Brooder
6 Years
Sep 21, 2013
73
0
29
Hey all... I have an egg bound hen who is 2 years old. I am giving her baths and keeping her vent lubed. Making sure she is hydrated and she is eating but I'm supplementing with liquid vitamins. This has been going on since last Wednesday. Her abdomin is very swollen and I can feel the egg. She acts frisky but can't walk well now. I don't know what else to do! Help!!!!
 
Poor hen... is she even having problems waddling around? I wish I new what else to recommend. People probably haven't responded to your post because you are already doing what they would suggest. I do know that as she goes longer with an egg stuck, she is at greater risk of blockage and perhaps infection. I hope someone else has ideas that they can share. I don't know if there is a vet in your area who would see chickens?
 
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Since Wednesday,i am surprised she is still alive as egg binding often kills within 24-48 hours. Have you done a cloacal exam to determine that she is definitely egg bound?

Give her a tums or calcium tablet(break into pieces and give orally,wrap in a pce of meat or cheese if she will not eat it,i use cheese)this usually helps pass egg approx within an hour. Keep her quiet/calm/warm and in a dark location.
 
From what I've heard she should be dead, but she's not. I tried the calcium too and it didn't work. I just gave her some tums like you suggested. Something has got to help! Thanks!
 
Yes she has problems waddling around. I've got her in the house now in a cozy box. I'm going to look for a vet tomorrow but I'm pretty sure there are none in my area other than the university and it's too far. I can't miss work for the poor girl.
 
I can feel the egg from the outside. It's pretty obvious. Definatly not broken.
 
Have you done a cloacal exam? If not you really should just to make sure this is the problem,b/c other issues with present similar symptoms.

Has she been able to poop? Often with egg binding there is no poop or very little watery discharge/poop. A cloacal exam might get that egg moving so she will be able to expel it.
 
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Is she pooping okay? I wonder if the egg is stuck sort of in a membrane near the opening of the vent. I have only read about something like this. I think they went in with a lubed finger to get it unstuck. Sorry I can't be more specific but it was a while ago that I read about it.
 

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