Help please.. warning picture included

[Natalie93]

Hi everyone. In need of some help please, I have 4 lohman browns which we rescued 9-10 weeks ago so are unsure of their age. They have been absolutely fine but I went to clean them out this morning and found this in the laying box.. Not sure what it is or which chicken it's came from. Help please!! Very worried..

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @Natalie93 Welcome To BYC

That looks like a "Lash Egg" or Salpingitis which is an inflammation of the oviduct.
There is not a lot that can be done. Antibiotics may help fight infection, but most of the time they are not successful.

I'm sorry to not sound too positive - if she were mine, I would monitor to make sure she is eating/drinking, active and seems happy within herself. When she becomes lethargic, stops eating/drinking then it would be time to let her go.

Here's some very good information:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/12/salpingitis-lash-eggs-in-backyard.html
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2015/03/causes-of-lash-eggs-salpingitis-by.html

Now, not to gross out a new member but did you happen save the lash egg? If you did, can you cut it open and take some photos?

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed with above. Her long term prognosis is not good. And by the time you notice her "looking a bit off", IMO it's time to cull. Chickens as flock animals mask their pain. So "looking off" in chicken speak = "I'm suffering a lot." In a case where the expected outcome is not to improve, I'd be culling.

 

[Natalie93]

Thanks for your replies. My partner will be home from work in a few hours so will get him to cut it open to have a look as I think I'd be sick! Will upload some photos then! Absolutely gutted, all 4 seem happy at the moment will keep a close eye on them to try and work out which one it is.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

So kind of you to rescue.

I agree that is a lash egg associated with Salpingitis and long term prognosis is .... well the same as it is for the rest of us eventually!

Being in better conditions she MIGHT lay more regular eggs. But I agree with others that when she stops interacting with others or looking tired... it might be time to let her go.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks for your replies. My partner will be home from work in a few hours so will get him to cut it open to have a look as I think I'd be sick! Will upload some photos then! Absolutely gutted, all 4 seem happy at the moment will keep a close eye on them to try and work out which one it is.

I'm very sorry. I understand what you are being told is distressing.
I think it's great you have rescued 4 production hens and are giving them a new outlook on life. You may not even be able to tell which one expelled the lash until she shows signs of obvious decline.

I think most of us that have posted on your thread have had hens with one type of reproductive disorder at some point and have had to put them down. It is heartbreaking (and frustrating) to let them go when the time comes. Just know that your giving her a loving home with extra attention and care was not a wasted effort.