chicken constipation?

[staceyj]

I think it just meant that it appeared that OP had read the post but didn't answer the questions.

Yes! That is exactly what I meant

 

[staceyj]

I'm glad that she told me that. I'm new to this board and did not know about social media etiquette.

She's not eating or drinking on her own. I could not feel any thing when I stuck my finger into her vent. I will take her to a avian vet tonight.

Great decision!
Please feel free to share afterwards if you like. This site is a great way for all of us to learn from each other and our experiences with our chickens.

Also, my apologies. It was not a situation of social etiquette faux pas, it was just a miscommunication.

 

[drumstick diva]

Please do update after taking her to the vet. Hoping for the best possible outcome.

 

[casportpony]

Thanks for replying. I soaked her for about 10 minutes in room temperature water because it is about 80 F. Should I use warm water? For how long?

My dad did an internal exam of her. He said the lump feels bigger than egg. I'm about to give her a soap water enema using a bulb syringe. Will that harm her?

Ask him where the lump is. If it's on the left it's not an egg, it's the gizzard.

 

[zjz1999]

The vet felt inside my hen for a good minute. He said he felt an egg from the outside (right side) and felt a large obstruction inside. He did not know what the obstruction was - it could be tumor or another egg, but unlikely to be poop because the hen released a little greenish poop as he withdrew his finger from her. The poop looked normal to him, although very little.

Further examination can be done through X-ray to determine the nature of the obstruction. But the treatment would be surgery for either tumor or egg cluster (too expensive to us), and the chances of survival are below 50%. If it is poop (the least likely obstruction), then laxative can be used to treat.

We left with some laxative and equipment for tube feeding. He taught me how to use it. The hen was drinking and eating mealworms when we got home.

I plan to keep her in "home-hospital" for a few more days and monitor her. I will give her more warm baths, and maybe see another vet (chicken specialist) on Tuesday.

 

[staceyj]

The vet felt inside my hen for a good minute. He said he felt an egg from the outside (right side) and felt a large obstruction inside. He did not know what the obstruction was - it could be tumor or another egg, but unlikely to be poop because the hen released a little greenish poop as he withdrew his finger from her. The poop looked normal to him, although very little.

Further examination can be done through X-ray to determine the nature of the obstruction. But the treatment would be surgery for either tumor or egg cluster (too expensive to us), and the chances of survival are below 50%. If it is poop (the least likely obstruction), then laxative can be used to treat.

We left with some laxative and equipment for tube feeding. He taught me how to use it. The hen was drinking and eating mealworms when we got home.

I plan to keep her in "home-hospital" for a few more days and monitor her. I will give her more warm baths, and maybe see another vet (chicken specialist) on Tuesday.

I’m so sorry you didn’t get all the answers you were looking for but to me it sounds as if he was very competent and gave her a good exam and also knew what he was talking about.

Many vets won’t even see a chicken. So you are very fortunate that in a few days you’ll have two opinions.
When I told mine —when I first got my chickens —she physically jumped, and said “I’m letting you know now that I DO NOT treat chickens. Ever.”

Also tube feeding is a lifesaving skill. It is awesome that he set you up with supplies and taught you how to do it.

I’m going To continue to follow here.

Please provide updates when you can.

I realize this is a very serious situation but I’m wishing you and your chicken the very best of luck.

 

[aart]

Wow, sounds like vet knew what was what with chickens....and that he showed you how to tube feed is pretty amazing.
Where are you located?