- Thread starter
- #11
Ebellarose
In the Brooder
- Jan 30, 2026
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Everyone there is no change, I haven't seen her poop since this morning. She's been eating and drinking. I need more advice on my next steps please!!!
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Hi everyone,
I have a 4 year old Leghorn hen who I believe is egg bound.
My sweet girl hasn't been feeling good since yesterday. And I believe she's sitting in more of a "penguin form", as I've seen in other egg bound chickens but I've never personally dealt with this.
That is her poop and she also stood for a majority of the night.
Any suggestions please and how I can help save her!! Thank you so much.
Were you able to get some extra calcium into her? I'd give 1 TUMS or 1 Calcium Citrate+D3 tablet once daily to see if she's able to expel an egg or lash material.Everyone there is no change, I haven't seen her poop since this morning. She's been eating and drinking. I need more advice on my next steps please!!!
Thank you! There was still no change but did give the extra calcium.Her abdomen was getting more squishy like a balloon so could it be water belly? My vet said it could happen especially to an older hen at higher elevation. Would you have any extra advice if this is the case?Were you able to get some extra calcium into her? I'd give 1 TUMS or 1 Calcium Citrate+D3 tablet once daily to see if she's able to expel an egg or lash material.
She's drinking, so that's going to help keep her hydrated.
This article may help you too.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ng-from-vent-prolapse-oh-my-what-to-do.76124/
Is she able to poop?Thank you! There was still no change but did give the extra calcium.Her abdomen was getting more squishy like a balloon so could it be water belly? My vet said it could happen especially to an older hen at higher elevation. Would you have any extra advice if this is the case?
She poops but only very little. I haven't been able to get ahold of my vet but I did decide to drain due to the worsening. I drained yesterday over 60 mL and today over 40 mL. I wasn't sure what else to do. She doesn't seem to be doing worse or better. Tonight the fluid is draining from the site where I inserted the needle while she's just standing here.Is she able to poop?
Ascites (A.K.A.) Water Belly is a symptom. It can be hard to know the cause but generally fluid in the abdomen is seen in hens that have organ dysfunction and/or reproductive disorders.
She may have Salpingitis, EYP, Internal Laying, etc. Did you Vet suggest trying to drain any excess fluid to see if that would give her any relief?
I've given her Tums and Calcium but not magnesium. Also no to the Epson salt bath since its been really cold and windy weather here, I'd rather not get her feeling worse. Prior to this she's had no problem passing soft shelled eggs, I've also massages and her belly only feels like a water balloonhave you given magnesium? and also a warm epson salt bath ? i had button Quails a long time ago and i helped one expell a soft shelled egg by gently massaging it out. we did calcium and magnesium orally. then the bath. i’d hold her and use oil to massage and help push egg out.
I believe it's now water belly. No signs of any egg stuck as of nowThe one time I had an egg bound hen, soaking in warm water in a tall bucket gave her immediate relief. The hen didn't struggle and seemed to like being in the warm water.