HELP!! Eggbound?? broken egg? Photo...

[Chick-a-roos]

My bantam cochin is 9 month old pullet. She has been laying since 20 weeks old (usually everyday or every other day). She is on layena crumbles, treats (scratch when cold, vegetables, fruits, oatmeal, etc). Her last egg was laid Friday. This morning she had been sitting in the nest for about 3 hours (not normal for her) She didin't even get up for breakfast. Once she was up I went out to check, I noticed thick yellow poop under the roost and something similair in the nest box. I checked her bottom and photo shows what I found. So, I brought her in....soaked her in warm water, area under abd is very firm and round but did not feel a egg inside the vent. The arrow points to a piece of firm but soft material that would not come out of vent (I can not tell what it is connected to inside the vent). She will only stand in one position and seems to be pushing. What else can I do for her?

 

[aveca]

If it isnt too late open vent and look deeper they dont always stop right at the exit.sounds like it may have broken itself and part of it is still in there. Long tweezers can help remove the bits careful they arnt sticking, more soaking for that. Sorry this is happening, Its not easy to deal with have someone hold her while you look.

 

[Chick-a-roos]

The second bath/soaking....I was able to remove this from her vent. She really seemed alot more comfortable after it was all over. I kept her in over night, she received mashed boiled egg with 1/4 piece of tums and lots of TLC. Of course she does seem better than on Sunday but she is not herself. She has always been overly excited when she sees her treats but could care less now. She is eating/drinking/pooping but something is not right about her. I have not manually checked her but, I don't feel anything firm/hard around her vent or abdomen and the appearance of her vent seems normal. Her last egg was on Friday.

I'm unaware of how soon she should resume regular laying? If she is a internal layer or eggbound? Infection? or what I should do now....I would like any thoughts or opinions if this is typical behavior. I'm hoping someone can give me more help on her situation.

Thanks
Shelley

 

[chookchick]

She might be getting egg-yolk peritonitis. I think Pen-G is recommended for that..looking for info...
Here's another thread on soft-shell layers...
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=281575&p=3

Here's a really good thread with info on peritonitis:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=221035

 

[aveca]

You did a great job with that. There may be some bit left in there that are irritating . Like the above post said a little anitibiotic wouldnt hurt . That was practically text book removal of egg bound matter., Nice job. She probably also pretty tired after being in extream pain then having the pain let up , she probably wants to rest a bit. excersize actually helps a little too so hope shes walking around a bit but not too much

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

Wow! What a good chicken mom you are! I am so impressed - hope she recovers nicely.

Could you explain what the Tums are for?

Since I lost one of my girls on Christmas Day I've wondered if she might have been eggbound and I didn't realize it - am trying to learn how to look for it and treat it.

 

[Andi]

I hope this doesn't sound too corny. What about a douche? I'm not sure what the pH of a chicken's vent would be, but maybe it would help flush any remaining pieces out. Maybe just a plain water douche would be the best. IDK. Just an idea. I've never done it, or heard of trying it, for that matter. Who knows. It might help.

 

[Chick-a-roos]

Quote:
I have read on here that Tums are for a extra calcium boost. I don't feel like a good chicken mom right now....I feel like I don't know what to do or how to do it. I have only had my chickens since April 2009 so all of this is so new! I can only hope I am doing the right things for Emma.

Quote:
Nope, that doesn't sound corny at all. I have read somewhere on here about flushing with saline or something?
I haven't been able to find the post again.

Thank you "chookchick" for the links.

I tried to get Baytril but because of the cost (the vet wanted $50-60 just for the med) so I decided to go with Pen-G. FINALLY, I found Pen-G 300,000u/ml. None of the feed stores had it in stock so called a friend and thankfully she let me have some. Now I am unsure about the correct dose. Emma is a bantam cochin weighs approx. 2 lb 4 oz.

I have NEVER injected a chicken but keep looking at instructions and placement. She just seems so little to stick with a huge needle! It's too late tonight so first thing in the morning I will convince myself to do it!

I really appreciate all advice, opinions and instructions!

 

[chookchick]

Here's what OrpingtonManor wrote about the Pen-G

The Pen G I have is 300,000units/ml, and the recommended dosage is 3,000units/lb of body weight. 1ml (or cc) is enough for 100 lbs of body weight. Do I have a different Pen G than you were thinking? Assuming she weighs 5 lbs, which is about right, then she would need 0.05cc. Since the syringe is marked off in 0.1cc increments, that would be half an increment. True?

So in your case, would be 1/4 of an increment, if you have .1cc increments on the syringe. If she is doing better, you could hold off on the penicillin, but if she is still doing poorly, I would go ahead. You're doing just fine!....