Help! Newbie with an urgent question!

[Chicky Joy]

I have 8 red star hens that are going on 20 weeks. We got them at 17 weeks. The only problem I've noticed with them is runny stool. This problem seemed to have been clearing up on it's own. The last few days I have only been seeing one or two spots of runny stool in the coop/run. They are eaing Layena by Purina. I did give them just a little scratch feed to entertain them yesterday. This morning the runny stool is back. Is this just the result of them adjusting to different feeds? Is there anything I should do?

The more urgent question is about one specific hen. While I was watching them this morning this one hen went to the bathroom twice, normal the first time, runny the second. She then continued to try to go to the bathroom, with no success. I also noticed a balloon-like red protrusion from her rear end when she was trying to go. Is this a result of straining too hard? Is it a serious concern? Is there anything I can do?

I'm waiting for a call back from the local vet (actually the only local vet seeing as how I live on an island). I'm not sure how much he knows about chickens.

 

[palabeco]

Does the little protusion go back in after she is done straining?

 

[MissPrissy]

Changing their feed, the hot weather, and lots of water can make their poops runny.

The hen with protrusion sounds like a prolapse or egg bound.

Take her and sit her in some warm water. Try to keep her calm. When she is clean look at her vent and see what is going on. Feel in the low cavity of her abdomen if you can feel and egg or a hard lump.

If this continues or seems worse -

Scrub your hands extremely well and lube your finger with vaseline or olive oil and see if you can feel an egg trying to come out if she is still straining or the vent is bulging. If an egg is stuck you may need to carefully break it and help her pass the contents.

Keep us posted.

One more thing.

keep her separated from the otehr chickens. They will begin to peck her swollen protruding flesh and create a blood mess. You don't need to give yourself more problems. Try to keep her in a dim, calm place.

 

[Chicky Joy]

I tried to get a good look when she quit straining but I couldn't tell for sure if the protrusion went back in or not. I thought it might have but I really don't know.

Our weather is not hot right now. It's not quite 70 and a nice breeze. Should I quit giving them scratch?

It is taking the chickens a while to get used to us. They are now very curious and are constantly pecking at my shoes and pant legs. They follow my every move, and are not shy about approaching me. However, they run away very swiftly when I reach out to touch them. Actually, I have yet to do more than pet them on the back. How would I manage to get her soaking in warm water?

I was wondering about the egg-bound idea. I wasn't sure if that was an issue at 19 weeks or not.

Still no call back from the vet. I'll probably have to call him again.

 

[Chicky Joy]

Any ideas on isolating her...we only have the one coop/run. It is a very simple design, no seperate areas anywhere. I could try and find something to create a separate area in the run (just a piece of plywood or something to separate her.

I'm going to go out to the coop and check on things. I'll come back in and check the forum shortly.

 

[MissPrissy]

To be very blunt -

If you see nothing hanging out of her bottom she is probably fine but might be trying to lay an egg. Keep and eye on her.

If you think something is wrong you must catch her, flip up her bottom and look at her vent.

You can put her in a large dog crate to isolate her from the flock.

 

[Chicky Joy]

Well I just went out and checked things out. I was able to pick her up and examine her, as well as a few of the other hens for comparison. They were none to happy with me but she seems to be ok. I'm wondering if she is trying to lay an egg because she looked the same as the others when I examined her. I felt some sort of bump or lump ( I think) in her as well as in one of the other chickens when I felt their abdomens. This is all new to me so I don't know what I'm feeling for persay but that's what it felt like to me. I've gotta hurry and get some items together for their laying boxes. We didn't think we'd need them for a day or two at least.

 

[palabeco]

Quote:
They must be holding the eggs in , waiting for someplace to lay them! You better hurry!! LOL