Chicken with hard, swollen vent and runny poop

[flvicki]

I noticed yesterday that my girl Matilda was staying in the hen house in the mornings when her 2 sisters would come down. I didn’t think too much about it since after coaxing her down she joined her sisters and off they went. This morning it happened again but she seemed lethargic and not easily coaxed down. After examining her I noticed her vent was swollen and hard on the top part. Also she’s been pooping watering white/yellow/green poops. See pics. What could be wrong? I appreciate any help!

 

[Sassysouth]

Have you felt inside her vent? Try a warm epsom salt soak. Hopefully someone else will chime in.

 

[micstrachan]

I think that poop may have egg in it. When was the last time she laid? Can someone else examine this poop? I agree a gentle vent exam and warm soak is a good start.
@azygous @rebrascora @Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock @Ravynscroft

 

[ChickNanny13]

2x Calling for those that I'd call for help

 

[rebrascora]

Hi

I'm sorry your girl is poorly. How old is she and do you have any idea when she last laid an egg?

It is difficult to tell from the photos because her feathers are obscuring it , but the two things that come to mind are a hernia and salpingitis. The yellowy white runny poop usually indicates that there is a blockage of the gut and only urates are getting past it.
How does her crop feel? These conditions will usually back them up quite quickly and slow or sour crop may be starting to make her feel unwell. Is she eating at all? Watch closely because she may pretend to eat but just pick up and drop the same pellet or grain. Check her crop at night and then again in the morning to see if it is emptying. Does her breath smell?

How does the rest of her abdomen, particularly between her legs, feel? Compare at roosting time with other hens.

Unfortunately both conditions I mentioned above are very serious and probably terminal. If you can afford a vet, then it might be a good idea to take her.

 

[azygous]

I agree with all of the others. You have a very sick girl with serious issues. My first thought at seeing the swollen red bulge below the vent was infection. The poop does appear it could have egg matter in it, leading to the scenario of an egg having broken inside her.

First, I would put her on an antibiotic ASAP. I don't wait to do this because by the time I finally figure out what the cause of illness is, my chicken is past the point of no return or dead. If it turns out to be some other non-infection issue, I simply suspend the antibiotic. I use amoxicillin or penicillin at 250mg per daily dose.

Second, as @Sassysouth recommended, let her do some long soaks in warm Epsom salt. That can relax her and hopefully allow her to pass any blockage.

As @rebrascora has mentioned, she could also have crop issues contributing to her woes. Check her crop this morning before you allow her to eat anything. If her crop is full and squishy, I would begin treatment for sour crop. If her crop is bulging with solid matter, she likely has impacted sour crop. That needs to be cleared as a first priority. Let us know and we'll tell you how to proceed if you aren't familiar with this condition.

 

[Sassysouth]

Here is pictures of my hen from last month and she was tender to touch.

 

[flvicki]

Thank you all for your advice. Matilda is still hanging in there. I started her on penicillin yesterday. She still isn’t eating and drinking other than a peck here and there. I’ve been giving her warm epsom salt soaks. I managed to get a hard something or other out of her (see pic...warning GROSS). I also took another pick of the swollen vent. Her crop feels empty and I can’t feel anything firm in her abdomen. I’ve also been putting prep H on the swollen vent hoping that it will help to shrink it and possibly relieve some of her pain. Going to a vet isn’t an option. We don’t have one that takes chickens anywhere close by. She’s still pooping yellow watery poops with what looks to be slimy whitish parts in it and some green bits too (again...GROSS). I’m just hoping for the best. I appreciate all your advice!

 

[flvicki]

View attachment 1233369 View attachment 1233368 Thank you all for your advice. Matilda is still hanging in there. I started her on penicillin yesterday. She still isn’t eating and drinking other than a peck here and there. I’ve been giving her warm epsom salt soaks. I managed to get a hard something or other out of her (see pic...warning GROSS). I also took another pick of the swollen vent. Her crop feels empty and I can’t feel anything firm in her abdomen. I’ve also been putting prep H on the swollen vent hoping that it will help to shrink it and possibly relieve some of her pain. Going to a vet isn’t an option. We don’t have one that takes chickens anywhere close by. She’s still pooping yellow watery poops with what looks to be slimy whitish parts in it and some green bits too (again...GROSS). I’m just hoping for the best. I appreciate all your advice!

I apologize for the attached file and those big pics...I'm still learning how to attach pics and files to a post. :/

 

[Sassysouth]

The bigger pictures are better. Sweet baby! You are taking great care of her. Hopefully someone will chime in about the pic.