Dry Vent with Lithargic Behavior

[Waneta]

Yes, that is it. I have a flock started that is 16 weeks and my flock of 10 months old pullets. The feed is the same for the 10 months old as the pullet developer except the developer does not have calcium added. I feed the 18% to prevent having to buy two separate feeds and make sure my 10 months old girls have plenty of calcium.

 

[Waneta]

Have you read this yet:
Egg Binding: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Yes. Tonight I did a digital exam and everything felt normal. I realize there are several possibilities for what ails my girl, but I am determined to do everything I can to save my Aleeta. One thing I am considering is a vitamin D issue. I am wondering if she is assimilating the calcium like she needs to. I will keep trying.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Is she still lethargic?
What does her poop look like?
How does her crop feel - any odor to her breath?

A change in feed can sometimes upset production, but being lethargic is concerning. It's not completely unusual for a hen to lay an egg while roosting, sometimes the egg laying cycle rolls around at the wrong time.

Check her crop when she goes to bed, then first thing in the morning before she eats/drinks to see that it is emptying properly. She may benefit from some extra poultry vitamins for a few days - you can direct dose her with something like Poultry Nutri-Drench at 1cc per 3lbs one time a day. If you feel she needs a jump in calcium you can give her 1/2tablet of calcium (Caltrate or store brand) for about a week to see if she improves.
Keep her hydrated, dehydration and lack of calcium can cause egg laying difficulties.

If you have a vet - take in a fresh poop sample for testing of worms and coccidiosis overload.

Keep us posted.

 

[Waneta]

Is she still lethargic?
What does her poop look like?
How does her crop feel - any odor to her breath?

A change in feed can sometimes upset production, but being lethargic is concerning. It's not completely unusual for a hen to lay an egg while roosting, sometimes the egg laying cycle rolls around at the wrong time.

Check her crop when she goes to bed, then first thing in the morning before she eats/drinks to see that it is emptying properly. She may benefit from some extra poultry vitamins for a few days - you can direct dose her with something like Poultry Nutri-Drench at 1cc per 3lbs one time a day. If you feel she needs a jump in calcium you can give her 1/2tablet of calcium (Caltrate or store brand) for about a week to see if she improves.
Keep her hydrated, dehydration and lack of calcium can cause egg laying difficulties.

If you have a vet - take in a fresh poop sample for testing of worms and coccidiosis overload.

Keep us posted.

Poop looked normal on my exam glove last night. No noxious odors from vent or breath. Crop appears empty. My next move is to give the 1cc of Nutri Drench. At this moment I have her sitting in my bar sink in my kitchen taking a warm sitz bath. She is sound asleep. I will soon dry get off and let her rest in a separate area away from the others, and make fresh food and water available.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Do you have a vet?

Getting a fresh sample tested for worms or Coccidiosis would be a good idea.

Do you notice any swelling or bloat in the abdomen?

 

[Waneta]

I just now gave her a .5cc dose of Valbazen. I see no sign if worms, but that doesn't mean there aren't any.

 

[Waneta]

No bloating or noticeable swelling in the abdomen.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Is she lethargic?

 

[Waneta]

Is she lethargic?

Very

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I just don't know...

Is she drinking at all or are you having to force liquids into her?
Do the best you can to get some water into her, once she is drinking and/or has be hydrated, see if she will eat a little chopped egg for you.

Being lethargic for the long is not a good sign.

Photos of the poop and pullet may be helpful. But if you have vet care that would be best.