Egg bound?

[Gspsaku]

I have a hen that has become more and more lethargic and is having issues getting up to higher perches and is walking funny. The tail is now concave, rounded, and pointed toward the bottom. I’m not sure I can feel an egg but am just wondering if it is egg bound? She is 24 weeks, one of her other sisters has started laying 9 days ago and another sister started laying two days ago

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Sorry your hen isn't well.

In my experience egg bound hens will stay in the box trying to lay the egg. It is deadly withing 48 hours.

How old is she? I would suspect internal laying or egg yolk peritonitis more than binding. When was the last time you saw an egg from her? Have you seen her droppings?

Looks like you have a rooster that prefers the lady at the bottom of the pic. Or a possible bully if no roos. Maybe even some parasites like lice or mites... the feather damage is heavy on her.

Hope your gal feels better and recovers quickly!

 

[Gspsaku]

Sorry your hen isn't well.

In my experience egg bound hens will stay in the box trying to lay the egg. It is deadly withing 48 hours.

How old is she? I would suspect internal laying or egg yolk peritonitis more than binding. When was the last time you saw an egg from her? Have you seen her droppings?

Looks like you have a rooster that prefers the lady at the bottom of the pic. Or a possible bully if no roos. Maybe even some parasites like lice or mites... the feather damage is heavy on her.

Hope your gal feels better and recovers quickly!

She moves very slow, I did put my finger by her vent and do believe I feel something as she is exhaling but am not sure. She is 24 weeks old, does defecate but droppings are very minimal, slightly larger than a wet parakeet dropping.

And yes, I have two Golden Comet hens that the Roo likes very much and topping a bit too much. Their backs are starting to get bare and you can see the back of the head is missing feathers. The 4 BO pullets aren't showing interest yet even though two have started to lay. The pullet/hen in question has not laid an egg yet

 

[Gspsaku]

Update, it looks even more lethargic and can’t even run

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Update, it looks even more lethargic and can’t even run

Not good...

Have you already tried an Epsom salt soak followed by lubing the vent and putting her in a dark place to see if it might help? Have you checked the crop to see if it's emptying.

Sometimes double yolkers or more happen when our daylight is increasing so much and the system is trying to work out hiccups and get going.

I wouldn't worry about feeding but would try to push fluids if she isn't drinking since dehydration makes all systems fail quickly.

@Wyorp Rock @Eggcessive any experience or suggestion in this area?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I agree with @EggSighted4Life getting her hydrated is a very good idea.

The way she is standing and your description, she's having some laying problems. Has she ever laid an egg?
How is her crop - is it emptying?

If you have vet care - getting a fecal float is a good idea, just to rule out Coccidiosis and worm overload.
If she were mine, I would get her drinking, offer poultry vitamins like Poultry Nutri-Drench or direct dose her at 1cc per 3lbs of weight. Get some calcium into her (Tums or 1/2tab of Caltrate). Check that crop to make sure it's emptying overnight. A soaking in a warm tub of epsom salts won't hurt if she is not too lethargic - you don't want to stress her too much, so if this upsets her, leave that off. (BO's are usually agreeable)
Once she is hydrated, then see if she will eat a little for you.

I'm late to post - so hopefully, by the time you have read this, she's much better

 

[Kiki]

How is your hen today?