Egg-bound Hen?

[JKRopee]

I have a production red hen about 3 years old. For the last 3 days she has been waddling instead of walking, she is still moving around but slower than normal. She is eating and drinking about half her usual amount. Its been really hot here and I figured she was egg-bound. So, today we soaked her in warm water and I palpated her belly, which is distended and firm. I gloved up and checked for an egg but did not feel anything. The soak in warm water did not seem to help and I am unsure what to do next. Egg production is diminished overall because of the heat averaging 2-3 a day and probably 1-2 'rubber' eggs a week. It's hard to know which hen is laying as they typically lay during the morning and I'm at work. .

I have been supplementing their diet with ground egg shells to help with calcium depletion but I'm not sure that has anything to do with it.

Is there anything else that would cause these types of symptoms? She is one of my favorite hens and usually a reliable layer . . anyway. .. suggestions/ideas would sure be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[seminolewind]

I don't know. If you felt up her canal and there's no egg, then feel her abdomen area right behind her legs and compare it to another one of your hens. If there's a big difference, it could be peritonitis, either fluid or egg.

 

[JKRopee]

So, yesterday we tried the warm water soak with no results, and i did not feel an egg in her system . . This morning she is getting around but walking is hard for her. She ate well out of my hand and drank a lot of water. . but she seems to be straining to poop or lay. Her belly is distended. This morning she passed a tiny firm poop.

The avian vets in this area are all closed on Sundays or I would take her in for an x-ray. I am going to try the warm water soak again today - and I will examine her as best I can to see if there is an egg that has maybe moved down her system some. If anyone has any other suggestions, I sure would appreciate some help.