2 hens with white diarrea

[chickimoma]

I've had a couple of hens who have not been looking well, lethargic, and have white diarrea. One is walking sort of bow-legged. Any ideas?

 

[Eggcessive]

Are these hens older than 2 or 3 years? Do they lay eggs regularly? I would wonder if they are suffering from internal laying or egg yolk peritonitis. Sometimes it can make them appear to waddle. Since egg binding also may cause this, I would insert a gloved and lubricated finger up to 2 inches into the vent to check for a stuck egg. Also feel for anything like a mass, and feel the weight of your hens to see if they have lost weight. Sometimes hens with EYP can suffer from ascites or water in the belly from heart or liver failure. Aside from all this, check them for lice or mites, and consider worming them if you haven't recently. Here is a thread and a link to read: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/526089/egg-yolk-peritonitis
http://www.chickenvet.co.uk/health-and-common-diseases/egg-laying-issues/index.aspx

 

[chickimoma]

Thanks, can't wait to don my gloves... No, really, you are right. I was looking at EYP symptoms. None of my hens have exterior parasites and I've been putting off worming out of sheer laziness. The 2 hens (out of 13) are 2 years old. A Marans and RIR. I have one hen in my flock that lays soft shell eggs but not sure which one. I haven't seen either of these ladies on the nest for a while. This weekend I will give them the finger (a YOLK!), clean them off again, and worm them. I'll take a poop sample to the vet. Thanks for putting me back on track.