"Eggbound" chicken does not seem to have an egg.

[sadj22]

So we noticed a day or two ago that our chicken was walking tail down, very lethargic and wasnt interested in eating or drinking. we have fed her water with crushed calcium and food, and have given her three epsom salt baths in which we tried to massage and help her push out the egg. there is swelling in the expected area. the only problem is that when i feel around where the swelling is, i cannot feel an egg. Does anyone know why/what i can do to help my chicken?

 

[Eggcessive]

How old is she and does she lay eggs regularly? Do you have a picture of her vent swelling? Does her lower belly/abdomen feel enlarged as if there is fluid or a mass inside? Did you insert a clean or gloved finger into her vent to feel for an egg? What do her droppings look like, and is she having any problem passing them? How much calcium are you giving daily? I would use calcium citrate 600 mg with vitamin D daily, and just give it into her beak to swallow. It is possible that she is not egg bound, but just suffering from a reproductive disorder or infection.

 

[sadj22]

She is about two year old, and she lays an egg every few days. She has pooped twice, and it has been very liquidy. It does feel enlarged. We have put in a clean finger and felt nothing. Heve been goving her 500 mg tables of

 

[Eggcessive]

I would consider using an antibiotic in case she is having an infection or is suffering from ascites (fluid in the abdomen.) It is hard to pinpoint exactly what might be wrong. Are you able to get amoxicillin or enrofloxacin where you live? If you are in the US, I can give you suggestions.

 

[sadj22]

We are not able to get amoxicillin without a prescription, and the only clinic that can prescribe it for a chicken is not available until friday. We might be able to get enrofloxacin, if we do do you have any suggestions on how to administer it? Thank you!

 

[Eggcessive]

Enrofloxacin 10% liquid dosage is 1/4 ml for a 5 pound chicken given orally twice a day for 5 days. Do not eat her eggs for a month. That is a very good antibiotic which can treat a number of bacterial illnesses.

 

[sadj22]

Enrofloxacin 10% liquid dosage is 1/4 ml for a 5 pound chicken given orally twice a day for 5 days. Do not eat her eggs for a month. That is a very good antibiotic which can treat a number of bacterial illnesses.

okay thank you. One reason we beliege she is eggbound is because she hasnt laid in a few days and when she was in the bath it seemed like she was trying to push something out.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would still give the calcium with d3 once a day.