Has anyone ever tried to do surgery on a chicken that is internally laying? WARNING ( semi graphic p

[luvmesumchicken]

I believe you did the right thing if it want for you she would still be in pain our dead so kudos. P.s. chicken surgeons are way hard to find where I live.

 

[Susanjoans]

Wow. This was amazing. And (although apparently there was some drama at one point until admin got involved) I really really loved and was impressed by the respect that was shown in this thread. Sharing info, offering suggestions, even differing opinions, done without condemnation or the overwhelming human urge to sort things in to "right" or "wrong".
I've had a very conflict-filled day and this was just great to read.
And THREE CHEERS for Rags!!!
Thanks for sharing all of this

 

[PAchickenlover]

Rags has gone broody! She has 9 eggs under her. Her abdomen is soft, and has no "lumps" like before. Not sure if she layed any of the eggs. At least this will keep her from laying or trying to for a while.

 

[realsis]

this is amazing! and an inspiration! i have so many questions but won't burden you with them. i just have to say well done my friend! well done! i admire your ability!

 

[speckledhen]

Broody is good, for now, however, since internal laying is chronic, being genetic/hormone based, she will most likely develop the same condition again. And, if she has gunk in the oviducts as well as what you removed from the abdomen, she will relapse. I've been through this probably 15 times, opened up many hens, post-death, and they usually have cheesy gunk in the abdomen and oviducts. Unfortunately, there is no cure, other than complete hysterectomy.

 

[seminolewind]

This is what I found in my hen:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/g/i/5417776/a/6318690/egg-bound-prolapse/sort/display_order/

I used to be able to look at any pics without a problem. I'm having trouble now. I am squinting when I look. Probably so I can shut my eyes fast. But thanks for sharing the pic anyway!

 

[seminolewind]

I think you did the right thing for your bird. Keeping fingers crossed that she can lay eggs. and wish you success in the future with schooling.

I wonder if something like ambesol tooth/gum pain gel would work to help numb the skin. Or even Ice can numb an area.

I don't know what's in that stuff but you can't use anything that has "caine" in the name. It'll kill the bird.

 

[seminolewind]

This is a very good thread about what you did, PA. Whether one agrees or not, it's quite an education that we all need. I learned to be brave if I had to , from SpeckledHen and Ruth.

From watching chicken behavior obsessively, at times, I believe that since they are close to being the #1 prey, I believe that when they're being attacked, or something causes them pain, they just go into this pain free mode. I've even seen roosters attack eachother and one runs away and plants his head in a corner and plays dead, or it's that pain free mode. I've picked them up like that and have to kind of wake them up. It's probably a blessing that a prey animal seems to have that.

 

[speckledhen]

There really is nothing you can do in most cases; attempting surgery on the abdomen of an unanesthetized and awake hen is not something I've done, though I have done crop surgery, which, to me, is nowhere near as tricky. Knowing the prognosis of this as well as I do, I will not attempt to do this type surgery in the future, either. You really did well, it seems, as witnessed by her still being alive and seemingly okay for now, but I do fear she is not over this permanently, not from what I know of the malfunction. They can lay internally for almost a year and show few signs, other than cessation of laying, before they begin to lose massive amounts of weight and begin to weaken. Chickens are such stoic animals and feeling helpless is a frequent condition of a caring chicken keeper.

 

[seminolewind]

It's good to see you here offering information, SpeckledHen. I know you've dealt with internal laying many times. I have not experienced yet, but I suspect one of my hens is carrying a hard softball underneath her.