Egg bound hen - what should I do?

[backyardaustralorps]

I suspect one of my hens is egg bound and am unsure what to do to help. It’s her first egg.

She has been trying to lay the first egg for 8 hours, making the egg laying sound and looks very lethargic in the coop lying in the box. Has not gone to the bathroom. Looks low energy, and does not eat or drink. Vent is dripping discharge. I can’t feel an egg however but she waddles around when she gets out of the nest box.

They are 5 months old and just starting to lay. One of the other chickens died a few weeks ago laying its first egg too, so I am quite concerned.

I tried a warm water soak with salt and gentle massage but it had no effect.

Thank you for any suggestions. I am very scared I’m going to lose another hen

 

[Eggcessive]

Does she get layer feed or access to crushed oyster shell for calcium? Place her in a warm humid room, possibly a spare bathroom that is steamy. A warm moist towel under her would be good. Can you insert a clean finger 1-2 inches into her vent to feel for an egg? If you can give her a Tums or human calcium tablet, do it now. Get her drinking water. Is she overweight? Let us know what happens.

 

[Eggcessive]

Here is a good article to read:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/chicken-egg-binding-causes-symptoms/

 

[backyardaustralorps]

Does she get layer feed or access to crushed oyster shell for calcium? Place her in a warm humid room, possibly a spare bathroom that is steamy. A warm moist towel under her would be good. Can you insert a clean finger 1-2 inches into her vent to feel for an egg? If you can give her a Tums or human calcium tablet, do it now. Get her drinking water. Is she overweight? Let us know what happens.

Thank you so much for the reply, I appreciate it. They all have unlimited access to crushed oyster shell for calcium but don’t touch it much. She’s normal weight.

I will get her to a humid place, give the tums, and try to feel for the egg and will update the thread with how things go. Thank you again

 

[backyardaustralorps]

Thank you very much for your advice; she has laid her first tiny egg! (Took about 24 hours) The humidity and repeated water baths seems to have helped. Hopefully going forward she doesn’t have any more problems with future eggs