Egg bound hen? Has laid just yolk!

[CaptainPleasant]

So one of my Sussex hens was behaving strangely - she had the penguin waddle, wasn't moving around much, was straining her vent and had a messy bum. I diagnosed her with egg bind and gave her 2 Epsom salt baths and massaged her abdomen.

After each bath she pooped out what looked like part of a yolk. Is it good that she got rid of it?? What should I do with her from now? How do I tell if she is recovered?

We have brought her inside to dry off by the fire.

Update: the next day she has done 2 yellowy poops, and is eating and drinking.

 

[Riche Bronson]

Here’s a link to a thread on egg peritonitis, which is the scariest part of them getting egg bound. It might help give you some ideas. I think any of it that comes out is a good thing.. but I also think you’re supposed to try to get the shell out- (assuming there is a shell, and it wasn’t a “shell-less egg”).. but check out this thread, there’s a lot of good info there.. and see if it helps/sounds like your dilemma. And good luck with your girl! (I had one do the same a few months ago. I was convinced I was going to lose her and I gave her baths etc trying to help her pass it (she would not have cooperated with me being invasive, and I’m not capable of that anyway) and never did retrieve any shell, or any more egg- but she’s still out there scratching and pecking! Have you changed their feed lately? Mine were thin, so I changed their layers mash from 16% to 20% and that was the culprit! I won’t be doing THAT again any time soon!)

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/egg-peritonitis.1264450/#post-20303761

 

[CaptainPleasant]

Here’s a link to a thread on egg peritonitis, which is the scariest part of them getting egg bound. It might help give you some ideas. I think any of it that comes out is a good thing.. but I also think you’re supposed to try to get the shell out- (assuming there is a shell, and it wasn’t a “shell-less egg”).. but check out this thread, there’s a lot of good info there.. and see if it helps/sounds like your dilemma. And good luck with your girl! (I had one do the same a few months ago. I was convinced I was going to lose her as I gave her baths etc and never did retrieve any shell, or any more egg- but she’s still out there scratching and pecking! Have you changed their feed lately? Mine were thin, so I changed their layers mash from 16% to 20% and that was the culprit! I won’t be doing THAT again any time soon!)

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/egg-peritonitis.1264450/#post-20303761

Thankyou, that is comforting. Egg peritonitis sounds terrifying!! I'll have a look. There have been no changes in feed recently so that is a mystery. Thanks again

 

[Riche Bronson]

Thankyou, that is comforting. Egg peritonitis sounds terrifying!! I'll have a look. There have been no changes in feed recently so that is a mystery. Thanks again

You’re welcome... but I wish there was more to suggest. I think really the only option would be to take her to the vet so they can clean her out- (they also suggest x-rays to make sure they got all the shell) so that it doesn’t become septic (unless you feel confident to DIY, and if she’d cooperate to begin with)- because if it does, there really isn’t anything that can be done then. When it happened to my girl earlier in the summer, I called the local vet who (first informed me that he “don’t do chickens” ) quoted me $250- minimum. Perhaps he was just trying to get rid of me- because I don’t know about you, but that’s too rich for my blood! Maybe you have an available vet who lives on the planet earth, with the rest of us, has some compassion, and who can help for a reasonable amount of money? If not, I guess it’s hoping nature will do its thing.. and it did in my case, so hope isn’t lost... It might go well for you like it did for me and my girl! She’s my oldest hen.. and she’s SO sweet!

Edit: Remembering back now: I did give her some olive oil in her feed, and I did use a medicine plunger/dropper to help her out on the other end. I didn’t witness anything else passing- but this was at least 3 months ago, and like I said she’s just fine today. Still laying her almost daily ENORMOUS eggs, like always. I feel so sorry for her for that! They’re at least twice the size of all my other girls eggs! Does yours lay giant eggs too? What breed of chicken is she? (Mine is a RIR.)

 

[CaptainPleasant]

You’re welcome... but I wish there was more to suggest. I think really the only option would be to take her to the vet so they can clean her out- (they also suggest x-rays to make sure they got all the shell) so that it doesn’t become septic (unless you feel confident to DIY, and if she’d cooperate to begin with)- because if it does, there really isn’t anything that can be done then. When it happened to my girl earlier in the summer, I called the local vet (who first informed me that he “don’t do chickens” ) quoted me $250 minimum. Perhaps he was just trying to get rid of me- because I don’t know about you, but that’s too rich for my blood! Maybe you have an available vet who lives on the planet earth, with the rest of us? I sure hope it goes well for you like it did for me and my girl! She’s my oldest hen.. and she’s SO sweet!

I don't suppose there is any other condition she might have?... It has been 20 house since we first noticed it and she is eating and drinking today and not looking too bad in general. I also cannot afford a vet bill that high!! I will reassess in a few hours after my exam (perfect timing for a sick hen! Not!)