Chicken is Eggbound

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

Hello my hen is egg bound. She has been egg bound before and I put her in the bath with salts and warm water. It came out and she was fine. She's egg bound again. I used all the salts from the last time. I don't have any more salts. They are very expensive. Would it work without the salts? Is there another way I can get her egg out? Is there a substitute for salt that any of you know? If you have any advice, that would be very helpful. Thanks in advance.

 

[Eggcessive]

The salts don’t matter. It is the warmth of the bath, and you can even just put her on a thick moist towel sat on a heat pad set to LOW. Have you inserted a finger into her bent to feel for the stuck egg? Can you give her a 1/2 Tums or calcium tablet to help increase her muscle contractions? Offer some water in a cup as well.

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

The salts don’t matter. It is the warmth of the bath, and you can even just put her on a thick moist towel sat on a heat pad set to LOW. Have you inserted a finger into her bent to feel for the stuck egg? Can you give her a 1/2 Tums or calcium tablet to help increase her muscle contractions? Offer some water in a cup as well.

Oh. I did not know that about the salts. I heard they calmed her muscles. I'll follow your advice about giving her the calcium tablet and using the towel. I'll check her vent soon.

 

[Eggcessive]

Epsom salts can be soothing, especially if there is soreness, but it is not necessary for egg binding.

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

I tried the bath and nothing came out. I felt around her vent and felt nothing. But, she pooped a little bit. But, she hasn't pooped since. I dried her up and put her back in her roost. I put a plate under her spot, so I can see if she pooped or not. I'm praying she does poop and lays soon. I don't think she is egg bound, but she can't poop. It may be something else.

 

[Bird-Whisperer]

If you didn't feel an egg, she may be constipated.
When she did poop, was it runny, discolored, etc.?
I had a rooster who was seriously constipated and what fixed him up was some vaseline, a hot compress, and a molasses flush.

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

If you didn't feel an egg, she may be constipated.
When she did poop, was it runny, discolored, etc.?
I had a rooster who was seriously constipated and what fixed him up was some vaseline, a hot compress, and a molasses flush.

She pooped in the hot bath. Her poop was normal. I think she may be constipated. If she's worst tomorrow, I may take her to an avian vet. If she's pooping, I'll see what I can do from there.

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you feel inside the vent with a finger, or just around her vent? Sometimes they get a buildup of urates or stool inside the vent opening. Some get something called papillomas, small growths, as well. I would imagine the avian vet would be expensive, but that is a good thing, if she is still having problems. Here is a good article to read on the causes of egg binding:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/chicken-egg-binding-causes-symptoms/

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

Do you feel inside the vent with a finger, or just around her vent? Sometimes they get a buildup of urates or stool inside the vent opening. Some get something called papillomas, small growths, as well. I would imagine the avian vet would be expensive, but that is a good thing, if she is still having problems. Here is a good article to read on the causes of egg binding:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/chicken-egg-binding-causes-symptoms/

Thanks for the information. I gave her a second bath today. Nothing came out but a bit of poop. I dried her up and put her back. There may be some kind of buildup of poop in her bottom. I don't know if it is poop or fat. Today I gave them calcium and tommorow I'm going to put electrolites in their water. I'm hoping for the best. Fingers crossed. I checked her vent and can't fell an egg or even shards. All I felt was poop. So, I think that it can be constipation. I lubricated her vent and she pooped a little bit when I was drying her so I think that could have been a good sign. I can't take her to a vet because I have to get a certification of some sort. It will take way to long to get it so I suppose i have to do it myself. I'm going to check on her tommorow. I really hope she does not die. I really love her. Fingers crossed and praying!

 

[Sequel]

I'm pulling for you! Hope it all works out for you and your hen!