Emergency Egg laying?

[CrystalMS]

We have a hen that we think is trying to lay her first egg, for a day or so she sat a lot but now is laying on her side for the past 24 hrs , is this normal egg laying behavior?We are new at this and wondering? thanks!

 

[gritsar]

I wish I knew how to help you, but I don't; other than to say it sounds like she may be eggbound and it's not good.

I've asked someone with more experience to come and take a look at your problem, so hang tight.

 

[Katy]

No, it's not normal behavior. Was she sitting in the nest? Check her vent and see if you can see anything abnormal. If she's been laying on her side for 24 hours already, that does not bode well for her. Can she get up at all?

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Thanks Katy

 

[CrystalMS]

No, she can not get up at all. We called the vet and they said they could xray her. She was in the nesting box, but I am not sure what the vent is???? I can take a guess.

 

[Katy]

The vent is the opening where the poo and egg come out. If she is eggbound and has been trying that long to push it out she could be starting to prolapse which would be visible. It's hard to say for sure what is wrong when I can't see her. Is she responsive at all? How is her breathing? Had she been eating and drinking normally up until this?

 

[CrystalMS]

Thanks, she is responsive and eating and drinking. If not better tomorrow we will have her looked at. Appreciate all the help!

 

[caralouise1974]

I do hope your girl gets better. It sounds pretty serious if she's not able to get up though. But, the fact she's still eating and drinking is a positive fact on her side.

Good luck

Keep us informed of her progress.

 

[Wynette]

If she's unable to get up, I don't think this is an egg-laying issue, but of course I could be wrong. They don't typically lay on their sides when they are experiencing prolapse or internal laying - at least not in my experience. I'm very sorry you're having troubles!

 

[CrystalMS]

Well took the hen into the vet, they smirked at me, anyways they did an xray on her and she is egg bound. Guess the egg is stuck and is causing pressure on her nerves so she can;t stand. He gave her a calcium shot, antibiotic and muscle relaxer. Doc says if its not passed by tomorrow they can go in and crush the egg while its inside her! Any of this sound familiar? I can;t believe this is our very first egg experience!