Distressed Hen

[chattycathy4444]

I have a 10 month old Buff Orphington. Yesterday I returned from work and she was cuddled up in a corner of her enclosed coup. Didn't think much of it. Today, she's on the floor of the outdoor coup, but just sitting there. Have read various threads here and think it might be a stuck egg. I brought her indoors and soaked her in bathtub in warm water for about 20 minutes. Massaged her vent area for another 20 minutes or so. I've created a warm spot in the bathtub (no water) with towels for her to spend night...since she might catch cold outdoors. I've put food and water and she seems to have a fairly good appetite and is drinking. But she does not seem to want to put any weight on her legs. Is this a symptom of the stuck egg? I'm new to this so any advice or comments welcome. I've got a flock of 7 and this is the first time I've experienced any problems. The other hens appear to be just fine. Thanks for any help

 

[Eggcessive]

I would get a disposable glove and stick a finger inside her vent an inch or so to feel for an egg. If there is no egg, then I would check out the behavior of the others toward her, in case she is being bullied or just low in the pecking order. Observe her for diarrhea or for puffing up. Hopefully it is nothing serious.

 

[chattycathy4444]

thanks...I'll give it a try...she's one of my larger girls and doesn't really get bothered by anyone. She's actually a tad more outgoing than the others

 

[Eggcessive]

There is a condition where egg binding can cause temporary leg paralysis. Here is an article about it: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=3060

You might also give her some calcium by dissolving a calcium tablet or Tums in a small amount of water and feeding it to her with some yogurt, egg, feed or bread. Ground egg shell with also work. Have you added any new birds to your flock recently? Look at her joints and feet for redness, swelling, or dark spots on footpads. Was she vaccinated for Mareks disease? Keep us posted on how she is doing.

 

[chattycathy4444]

Update: I don't feel any egg...she is still very alert and eats and drinks. Since soaking her last night, I see her one leg looks pretty red...she walks on it, but limps and favors it. A couple of steps and she plops down. I've coated it with Vaseline, but wonder if I can use any Neosporin or cream on it? It does not seem broken at all. Thoughts and advice welcome

 

[chattycathy4444]

thanks...I haven't added any birds since I got these last spring. She is still very alert, eats and drinks...just favoring the one leg...I will try the tums. She loves yogurt and I feel them a bowl once a week or so. Thanks!

 

[chattycathy4444]

I ground an orange tums in yogurt...she's eating it all! Fingers crossed! Thanks!