Egg bound??

[ZepChick]

So far I have had two Cochins die from I think the same condition. They were about 11- 13 weeks old and died with a week between the deaths.

I noticed on the second chicken (13 weeks, who just now passed) yesterday that her butt was swollen (somewhat like when a chickens crop is full and squishy when you touch it).

For about a week she wouldn't move very much and would usually just sit in a corner of the coop or pen. When I would pick her up she would start gasping for air. When I would try to catch her, she would run, but only then. She died in my arms. Right before she stopped breathing, she had what looked like a seizure. At first she wouldn't stop rolling and thrashing on the floor but when I picked her up (this is what the other chicken did too) she flapped her wings violently and then she passed.I think she was egg-bound.

Is there anything else that could have happened? This is my first time raising chickens so is there anything I should watch out for in the other birds? If I do feel that the chicken is egg-bound, what should I do? Thank you very much in advance.

 

[redhen]

GGOD QUESTION!!...i have baby chicks now..but i'd like to be prepared..and have a clue of what to do if it does happen to me..i'll be waiting for some replys also!..thanks..Wendy

 

[panner123]

I don't think your hens were egg bound. True young or old hens are the ones that become egg bound, but your hens are to young to start laying. Most hens don't start laying until they are 16 plus weeks. Not really sure what could of happened to them. If a hen does become egg bound, you can help her with a little oil and some warm water.

 

[ZepChick]

Does anyone else know what it could be?

 

[sammi]

please say what all you feed.
do they free range or forage?
did you check for mites?
was the area irritated looking?

please say what housing they have and what bedding you are using.
could they have come in contact with any weed killer, fertilizers, or other lawn or garden type chemicals?
or motor oil/chemicals?

have they been wormed?
treated for mites/lice?
if so, what was used, and when?

please describe the droppings (color and consistency)

I think these hens were too young to be laying..

 

[ZepChick]

Quote:
No, they don't free range. But they can forage (sort of) in their pen
No, we haven't noticed any mites.
No, it didn't look irritated.
A wooden coop with cedar shavings and pine shavings.
I don't think they could have any contact with any garden chemicals or motor oil.
No, they have not been wormed. Are they supposed to be?
No, they haven't been treated for mites/lice
There was a little crusting on the second one's butt. green-white

 

[jjthink]

This may not relate at all to the problem, but cedar shavings are a problem - can cause respiratory troubles.....
JJ

 

[Sparks]

Clean out the cedar shaving....Toxic!

 

[ZepChick]

We were told that pine shavings were bad and cedar were good. So I should use only pine? I am not disagreeing, just curious.

 

[WrenAli]

Sounds like they got it backwards..
Yes, I would use pine only or straw (harder to clean)

Cedar can harbor molds and cause respiratory issues in your birds. They also have aromatic oils, thus they small nice, that can cause allergic reactions.

Some people use cedar without issues. But I only use cedar with my large livestock. Horses, cows, sheep etc.