Help! Hen Problems!

[SilkieChicken123]

Hello, I posted this thread several weeks ago, but got no responses or help, so I'm trying again. I really need help!!

My Buff Orpington hen, Bonnie, had a egg brake inside her and later passed the papery, slimy, empty shell; about 2.5months ago, after that she had only been laying about an egg a week.
And then again 1.5 months ago her egg broke inside her again and later passed the shell. I'm worried about my Bonnie. She was lethargic for a day after the first time it happened, but the last time she seemed in pain. But that has been 1.5 months ago and she still hasn't even laid a single egg. That is what concerns me the most.

She just turned 1 year in March; so she's not old. I feed all my fowl Sunrise Farms Soy-free, Non-GMO layer feed.

I've owned chickens for about 4 years and have never had anything like this happen before.
Does anyone have any suggestions or help?? Can someone tell me why she isn't laying eggs anymore?

Thanks,
maplevalleyacres.weebly.com

 

[sewingkitty1170]

Oh my!

I've read here that people have soaked their chickens with stuck eggs/egg problems in a warm epsom salt bath for a certain amount of time with gentle massaging, to help pass the eggs, and it's been successful. But that was a whole egg.

I had the same thing happen to my hen, except the eggs didn't break. She was very lethargic and didn't pass anything for a month. When she had three eggs stuck, the vet recommended to put her down. But, this vet didn't know much about chickens. I didn't know any better, so I did what was recommended as I hated to see her suffer so much. My hen was about the same age, too - a red sex link named Ginger. She was so special to me!

I would've tried that FIRST if I had found Backyardchickens.com before I lost my hen! Get a dishpan and soak your hen ASAP!

 

[sewingkitty1170]

I've read in the emergency section that some have taken their hens to the vet for antibiotics and pain killers, so I would call your vet as well. I also read that some give their chickens calcium... Lots to read up!

I hope Bonnie will be okay!

 

[SilkieChicken123]

Oh my!

I've read here that people have soaked their chickens with stuck eggs/egg problems in a warm epsom salt bath for a certain amount of time, to help pass the eggs, and it's been successful. So, there is hope!

I had the same thing happen to my hen, except the eggs didn't break. She was very lethargic and didn't pass anything for a month. When she had three eggs stuck, the vet recommended to put her down. But, this vet didn't know much about chickens. I didn't know any better, so I did what was recommended as I hated to see her suffer so much. My hen was about the same age, too - a red sex link named Ginger. She was so special to me!

I would've tried that FIRST if I had found Backyardchickens.com before I lost my hen! Get a dishpan and soak your hen ASAP!

Thank you! But she actually did pass the shell the next day, but it's been a month and a half and she hasn't laid a single egg... So I don't know what's wrong with her.
She's the best chicken ever! And the sweetest, so I know how you feel.

 

[SilkieChicken123]

I've read in the emergency section that some have taken their hens to the vet for antibiotics and pain killers, so I would call your vet as well.

She's not in pain now, she's just not laying eggs.

My chickies live a natural, organic life so I'm not sure about antibiotics... I would do pain killer if I had one in pain though.

 

[sewingkitty1170]

I'm wondering if she's egg bound... is she lethargic? That's a symptom. Are you giving her calcium/oyster shell supplements? They need the oyster shell to aid in the formation of the egg.

Call a vet. They can go diagnostic imagining to check for egg bound hens.

 

[SilkieChicken123]

I'm wondering if she's egg bound... is she lethargic? That's a symptom. Are you giving her calcium/oyster shell supplements? They need the oyster shell to aid in the formation of the egg.

Call a vet. They can go diagnostic imagining to check for egg bound hens.

Maybe. I've never thought about that. No she's not lethargic. No, what kind of calcium/oyster shell supplements do I need to give her?

Okay, I'll try to find a local vet that actually accepts chickens. We don't have very many vets that accept chickens around here. Hence the reason I was asking on here.

 

[sewingkitty1170]

There is crushed oyster shell just for chickens! Sometimes chickens can be deficient and need a little extra help. I get mine on Amazon.com, and it's by MannaPro. VetRx has a lot of non-antibiotic aids for chickens as well, but not calcium. Try giving your hen some unsweetened greek yogurt mixed with mash (pellets softened with warm water). I've done this for my hens and they seem to like it.

Good luck! Let me know how it goes.

 

[SilkieChicken123]

Thank you!

There is crushed oyster shell just for chickens! Sometimes chickens can be deficient and need a little extra help. I get mine on Amazon.com, and it's by MannaPro. VetRx has a lot of non-antibiotic aids for chickens as well, but not calcium. Try giving your hen some unsweetened greek yogurt mixed with mash (pellets softened with warm water). I've done this for my hens and they seem to like it.

Good luck! Let me know how it goes.

Thank you!
I'll let you know when I figure something out. It could be awhile tho.

 

[sewingkitty1170]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/egg-binding-symptoms-treatment-and-prevention.66978/