Collapsed egg hanging out of vent

[rehsanipoor]

I don't understand all the terminology. Is having a collapsed egg the same as being egg bound? Or is one the cause of the other? I've been reading lots of posts and articles but am not clear on the terminology.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you so much for all your advice. Starting electrolytes (with added sugar). Gave the calcium and antibiotics. Will watch and wait.

I don't understand all the terminology. Is having a collapsed egg the same as being egg bound? Or is one the cause of the other? I've been reading lots of posts and articles but am not clear on the terminology.

Being egg bound is where an egg is "stuck" in the oviduct or vent and the hen is having a hard time laying it. Often the egg blocks the vent and the hen cannot poop, you can usually see or feel the egg. The egg could be soft shelled or hard shelled.

A collapsed egg, is usually a membrane or soft shelled egg. Most of the time membrane that is hanging outside the vent. The membrane would need to be gently removed. I've found that timing the pulling of the membrane with the hens contractions to push the membrane out usually works best.
The collapsed egg may come out whole or it may be broken and the contents have spilled.

Below is a good example of a collapsed egg, or membrane hanging from a hen's vent.

If this is what you saw coming from your hen, then I'd start her on the antibiotics.

Thread Reference

 

[rehsanipoor]

So it looked more like a long white tube coming out. It wasn't as "shell like" as that picture. At first I thought it was intestines (don't know if chickens even have them!). But after it passed there was what looked like egg white oozing out of her vent.

 

[rehsanipoor]

Could the collapsed egg lead to being egg bound? She hasn't laid since it happened and the sick-like behavior began today. I am thinking that perhaps some of the egg wasn't completely passed and could be causing inflammation or infection. We started her on 250 mg. amox twice daily in case this is what is going on.

 

[azygous]

If there is anything remaining of the collapsed egg inside the hen, it will behave as if she were egg bound. It's an obstruction like an egg is. The calcium will work on this obstruction like it would on an egg.

 

[rehsanipoor]

Got it. So aside from the calcium citrate+vit D and amox. Is there anything else we should be doing? We have given her a little water w/ electrolytes, but only about 10 ml.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

So it looked more like a long white tube coming out. It wasn't as "shell like" as that picture. At first I thought it was intestines (don't know if chickens even have them!). But after it passed there was what looked like egg white oozing out of her vent.

Could the collapsed egg lead to being egg bound? She hasn't laid since it happened and the sick-like behavior began today. I am thinking that perhaps some of the egg wasn't completely passed and could be causing inflammation or infection. We started her on 250 mg. amox twice daily in case this is what is going on.

Sounds like a soft shelled egg, but if there was albumen (egg whites) leaking out the vent, then giving the antibiotic may help stave off infection.

I would encourage her to drink on her own. What does her crop feel like? Is she pooping?
If you are having to syringe or tube fluids into her, then this Article may be helpful in you figuring out how much fluids she needs daily.


Yes, chickens do have intestines. You may find the image below to helpful in learning more about their anatomy.

 

[rehsanipoor]

Thank you so much for all your help and info. I will read that article. Fingers crossed she starts looking better today. I appreciate you taking time to help me (and her).

 

[rehsanipoor]

Update: So she came down out of the coop and is standing around in the run.

1. She seems a little more alert although not very active and staying by herself.
2. She did drink a good bit but is not eating.
3. I don't believe she is pooping which is my biggest concern.
4. We dosed her with amox. and calcium citrate and I added electrolytes to the water.

Is there any other intervention I should be doing?

Should I bring her in the house to watch her more closely? I know she is probably least stressed being out in the coop/run but I would like to know for sure whether she is pooping.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I don't separate mine out unless they are getting picked on, they seem to be less stressed and can find a place where they are most comfortable in their own space.
If you feel she needs to come in, then bring her in. It would be wise to see if she is indeed pooping.
Otherwise, watch to see that she's drinking well and eating a little. Keep up with the Abx 2X a day and give the Calcium.