Chicken has egg shell stuck in vent

[TheBlessedCoop]

My year old hen laid a whole egg during the night. Then she laid another shell less egg(just white and yolk) very soon after. The shell to the last egg looks like a deflated balloon and is still partially inside her vent. I pulled on it slightly. Not hard enough to hurt her and it seems to be stuck pretty good. I gave her a warm bath but she still didn't pass it. She isn't able to poop. She is drinking but not eating. I know this is serious because she isn't pooping. Should I try giving her another bath? She refuses to lay down. She just stands like she is uncomfortable. Any advice would help!! She hasn't popped in three hours! Please respond quickly!

 

[TheBlessedCoop]

I am happy to report my hen is doing great today!!

I was able to pull the shell out during her second Epsom salt soak. I didn't need the Ky jelly but bought it just in case. Glad I got it for my chicken first aid kit. I might need it in the future. Thank y'all for the advice!!

Basil says thank you too!!

 

[Amry]

I did not get it out, but nothing was protruding as it had been. Her mood was much better after bath. Coincidentally, she is losing her status as Top Hen and I noticed that she had been hen pecked to the point of injuries scabbing over.

The previous day, did notice other hens pulling small white bits from her vent. Didn't understand that it was most likely soft egg shell at that time until reading the post. She is prone to laying shell-less eggs, and there was an egg in the brood box the previous day before she appeared ill. She often has a period of malaise after laying shell-less eggs in the past.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I did not get it out, but nothing was protruding as it had been. Her mood was much better after bath. Coincidentally, she is losing her status as Top Hen and I noticed that she had been hen pecked to the point of injuries scabbing over.

The previous day, did notice other hens pulling small white bits from her vent. Didn't understand that it was most likely soft egg shell at that time until reading the post. She is prone to laying shell-less eggs, and there was an egg in the brood box the previous day before she appeared ill. She often has a period of malaise after laying shell-less eggs in the past.

Did you feel inside the vent to make sure there is no egg? Can she poop o.k.?
If she's got a history of soft-shelled eggs, then likely the others pulled that out (let's hope) but I would keep watch on her for a few days.

For mine that have had troubles like this and they had a period of malaise afterward, I would give them extra calcium (1 Tums or 1/2 Caltrate) for 2 days in a row and direct dose them with poultry vitamins (like Poultry Cell at 1cc per 3 pounds of weight). Calcium to help with contractions and "maybe" shell quality, but often there is something else going on - maybe a shell gland disorder/reproductive problem that can't be "fixed". Vitamins are to help give a boost during stressful times (it's very hard and stressful to expel a soft shelled egg).

Does she have a discharge from the vent that may be yellow or clear(ish) like it's yolk or albumen (egg whites)? The worry is always the membrane of the egg leaked or opened during the laying process - this can cause infection in the oviduct - at the very least irritation which I speculate is one reason they seem lethargic (don't feel well).

How old is she and does she ever lay a normal hard shelled egg?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

You could try another soak in epsom salts.
You may have to glove up, grease up and try to work it out.
Try some ky jelly to see if it will help loosen it.


http://hencam.com/faq/egg-bound-hens/
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/07/chicken-egg-binding-causes-symptoms.html

 

[Eggcessive]

I would try to pull a little harder. Sometimes the other hens will pull it out. Also I agree with gloving up and lubricating her vent to get it out. Usually you only have to insert a finger an inch or so. Let us know how it goes.

 

[MadamPoofyBrow]

I agree with above posters. I'd go in and see if you can get it out. Pull and you could risk breaking it since it's soft-shelled, and she really doesn't need that inside of her.

 

[Eggcessive]

If it is deflated, the egg has already broken inside.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I am happy to report my hen is doing great today!!

I was able to pull the shell out during her second Epsom salt soak. I didn't need the Ky jelly but bought it just in case. Glad I got it for my chicken first aid kit. I might need it in the future. Thank y'all for the advice!!

Basil says thank you too!!

Yay!

You did good! I am glad she is doing well.
Basil is a lovely girl.

 

[Amry]

I am happy to report my hen is doing great today!!

I was able to pull the shell out during her second Epsom salt soak. I didn't need the Ky jelly but bought it just in case. Glad I got it for my chicken first aid kit. I might need it in the future. Thank y'all for the advice!!

Basil says thank you too!!