Egg Broken Inside Hen

[Cookie McT]

Looking for advice, please! Our 2-year-old Hubbard Brown, "Mo", seems to have an egg broken inside her. Noticed it yesterday, when she wouldn't come out after the storm. Suspected her of being egg-bound. She was extremely lethargic and cold, so we brought her in the house, soaked her in warm water, wrapped her in towels, and set her in front of the fireplace. Felt inside her and can feel pieces of eggshell; also "eggy" discharge. Gave her lots of water. This morning she was much improved, and insisted on going outside. Drank lots more, but not eating. Asking for help, please!

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I'm glad she seems better than yesterday, but it sounds like the bits of egg shell didn't pass when she was soaking? You could put some vegetable oil around her vent to help her pass the bits of egg shell I suppose.

 

[dawg53]

I recommend that you mix 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to a quart of water and use a large syringe (without needle) and draw a syringeful from the mixture. Then insert the syringe into the vent and flush it. Repeat several more times. You may or may not see the liquid or debris flushed out. The mixture will hopefully help prevent a bacterial infection, much like a douche. Provide her with scrambled egg mixed with buttermilk to eat for a few days.

 

[Cookie McT]

Thanks immensely for the advice! We "lubed" her vent, but still had to remove the shell by hand (actually, by finger). The little vinegar and water "douche" cleaned out a lot of residue, and soft scrambed egg w/ buttermilk was the first food she's eaten in 2 days. Incredible improvement!