Egg bound Hen

[dana0710]

I have a 2 year old australorp. When I checked the coop today it seemed like for most of the day, two of the 3 were in the run and one was in the nesting box. I can't tell them apart.

this evening one of the girls had a dirty vent and was lying down. She had no interest in BOSS or mealworms, but was drinking. I decided to treat her as if she were egg bound. We have her a warm bath, some vent lube and she's in the house in a dark and quiet place. We did try to feel for an egg, but I honestly don't know what I'm feeling for. Her abdomen under her vent looks fairly swollen and feels spongy to me or like there is an air pocket. She has had some diarrhea and she is pushing often. Does it sound like she is egg bound? She is breathing a little heavy, but not too bad. What should I do? Thank you!

 

[Eggcessive]

You can usually feel a hard object just inside the vent with one finger, if she is egg bound. Has she laid eggs lately? If her lower belly is swollen, she could be suffering from ascites (fluid in her belly( or from internal laying. Hens with internal laying can sit a lot, may walk like a penguin or more upright, have runny droppings, and may have a poor appetite. With ascites yellow fluid can collect in the lower abdomen from several causes such as heart or liver failure, or egg yolk peritonitis or internal laying. Ascites fluid can be removed occasionally to help breathing or pain. If you have a vet that could see her, they might be able to diagnose her symptoms. Here is some reading:
http://www.chickenvet.co.uk/health-and-common-diseases/egg-laying-issues/index.aspx
http://scoopfromthecoop.nutrenaworld.com/tag/laying-issues/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/853726/ascites-in-desperate-need-of-some-help-and-guidance

 

[dana0710]

Thank you for the info. I was just researching and she pooped what looks like egg white. The other chickens quickly ate it. She hasn't layer in at least two days.