Help - vent too small

[GMCleeds]

Hi

Newbie to this group but owned hens for a few years. I recently got some hyline pullets. Two weeks ago, two the the pullets vent pecked two of the others (came home from work, blood everywhere and then I saw them do it). Brought the two who had been pecked into the house where they stayed until better and separated the naughty two into a spare run. One has recovered well and gone back to laying fine but I am really worried about the other one. Vent opening looks really small compared to the others. She looks very depressed and doesn’t seem well in herself. Eats and drinks ok but hasn’t laid but I’m not sure if she ever started laying. I honestly think she is unable to lay or poop properly. I have soaked her a couple of times in Epsom salts and put vasaline on her vent. Any ideas, could this be a genetic-fault/deformity. I am afraid she is going to tear herself in two if she tries to lay. She seems to make a noise when pooping like it hurts. Vets near me are useless and have no idea regarding poultry.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I am so sorry that you are experiencing this. Do you have a photo of your hen and her vent. That will help our ER members to better advise..... bear hugs!

 

[GMCleeds]

Excuse the photo. I popped her in the shower to dry her off after her Epsom salt bath and gave her some mealworm treats. I must also add that she dribbles a clear/whiteish fluid out of her vent. When she does poop falling her soak, they are only small ones.

 

[Eggcessive]

It looks like she has some vent damage which can explain the leakage of white urates. Can you insert one finger into the vent an inch only to feel for any poop or egg material? I would lubricate the vent with some oil or antibiotic ointment, and use a disposable glove. Continue the soaks to her bottom. Hopefully, she will heal some more, and I would recheck her vent if she is not pooping normally. Make sure that she is eating primarily chicken feed as most of her diet.

 

[staceyj]

Is she a smaller hen?

Could you lay 2 or 3 your finger between the expanse between her pelvic bones and either photograph your fingers like this or report back, how many fit side by side without over lapping.
*if you can’t photo would you say whether you’re a man or woman.

That wound clearly isn’t finished healing yet and I’m wondering if there is a fissure or fistula just deeper inside. You may be able to few it when you do the gentle vent check @Eggcessive recommended.

I’d be applying plenty of antibiotic ointment not only in the outside but *inside that area as well at least 2 times , preferably 3 times daily with a gentle massage as you apply it.

 

[GMCleeds]

She is probably the size of an ex batt hen. I did feel inside her and there is no egg inside just poop but I am concerned she can’t pass it fully. I will keep soaking her and lubicating her vent.

I will take another photo tomorrow of her vent and upload it.

Thank you.

 

[GMCleeds]

Could “she” be a “he”?

 

[Eggcessive]

Well, that is interesting. I never even noticed that those may be saddle feathers near the tail. I cannot tell for sure, but she might be a he. Do you have a pic of another pullet?

 

[GMCleeds]

Took more photos today. She still seems the same. Very small vent, can only just get my finger in. See seems to struggle pooping. Definitely no egg in there. I’d say only two fingers side by side between pelvic bone. I keep putting Vaseline on her vent to help her poop. Im just worried she will split if she tries to lay an egg.

 

[GMCleeds]

Plus she stinks when I put a finger in, as if I am realising gas. Eating and drinking ok.