Constipated Chicken

[The Chick Addict]

I have a hen that seems to be constipated. Last night she was straining to poop, almost as if she were laying an egg, and upon further inspection, there appeared to be something hard and round that she was attempting to poop out. I felt what was protruding and it felt like a hard, round ball of poop. She couldn't push it out and gave up. I gave her an epsom salt soak for 30 minutes but she didn't even try to push, she just rested there in the water. Unfortunately, she hasn't pooped at all today. I gave her some olive oil to help lubricate her system, but obviously it hasn't worked. I should mention that she is also struggling with water belly and recovering from Canker. Can I use a laxative of some sort for her? I have Miralax on hand, is that poisonous for chickens, and if not, what dosage would I administer to her?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

upon further inspection, there appeared to be something hard and round that she was attempting to poop out.

What makes you think this is poop and not an egg? When did she last lay? You can try calcium citrate with vitamin D to stimulate contractions either way. If it is an egg you will want to continue giving the calcium for a few days after.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Is this the same chicken?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-with-respiratory-sickness.1685099/

 

[The Chick Addict]

What makes you think this is poop and not an egg? When did she last lay? You can try calcium citrate with vitamin D to stimulate contractions either way. If it is an egg you will want to continue giving the calcium for a few days after.

Is this the same chicken?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-with-respiratory-sickness.1685099/

Yes it is the same hen; I think it's poop because I saw it and it was a grayish green and had an uneven surface like poop. I think it may be a month or more since she's laid an egg, she has been suffering from water belly which I think has contributed to her cease in lay. Would I be able to get calcium citrate with vitamin D at a store?

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Would I be able to get calcium citrate with vitamin D at a store?

Yes but because she’s on prescription meds and having other issues I would contact the vet. I have no idea if there would be a contraindications or if there is a better way to do things for her particular case.