Egg bound hen but can't feel an egg :(

[Eggcessive]

That is good that it deflated. The articles on leaking air sacs that Wyorp Rock provided can be helpful. Many leaking air sacs are from injuries, while some can be from infection.

 

[akauerauf]

It never dawned on me, that it could be a ruptured abdominal air sac (Subcutaneous Emphysema). Usually see this in the neck. back and/or chest.
Most common cause is illness or injury. Letting the air out was the correct thing to do.  Keep watch on her, sometimes you may need to administer some antibiotics (Tetracycline or something similar) to prevent any secondary infection from the needle piercing.

Keep us posted.

http://www.ijasvm.com/ijasvmadmin/upload/IJASVM_5113cbc51d31b.pdf
http://chickscope.beckman.uiuc.edu/explore/embryology/day15/how.html

She has been doing a lot better these last few days with no sign of infection on the surface. The same area, however, has started inflating again. We will repeat the puncturing process. Are there any natural anti-biotics that you could suggest / that would work? Thank you!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Quote:
I'm glad to hear she is doing better.

To be honest I have not researched that much on natural remedies. @Eggcessive may have better input.

Oregano is one that I see mentioned quite regularly for it's antibiotic properties. Some commercial poultry farms like Perdue are using Oregano and Thyme among other herbs to become antibiotic free.

Take a look at Tilly's Nest and Fresh Eggs Daily, those both are advocates of using herbs for natural chicken keeping, but are not completely opposed to antibiotic usage when an infection warrants it.

I think it's well worth looking into.

http://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2013/04/oregano-as-natural-antibiotic.html
https://www.perdue.com/perdue-way/no-antibiotics/