Egg bound?

[glenny]

One of my chickens laid a huge duck-sized egg yesterday. I'm not sure who is responsible but today one of my Barred Rocks has a hard, bare protuberance underneath her vent. It is bright red and there are no feathers. I washed her to remove the poop that had crusted over the area and was shocked by how red and vulnerable it looks. Do you think she is egg bound? What can I do for her? It's really big. I read that you can soak them in warm water for 15 minutes at a time... is this the best strategy? Do these symptoms sound like those of an egg bound chicken?
I feed them a rather lavish diet. Do you think I brought this on by giving them too much food?
Thanks for the advice.
Glenny

 

[Kevin565]

It does sound like a possible egg bound. Also yes you can soak in a warm bath but I usually suggest at least 30 minute incriments. However, this does not work for all cases of egg bound hens and at home surgery is a possibility. I personally doubt this would be caused by over feeding.