hen has protrusion from her back end

[QChickieMama]

My poor hen Harriet has what looks like pink/reddish tissue hanging out of her back end. It doesn't drag the ground but it's hanging out 2". Her behavior is normal except she stays to herself more now instead of hanging with the flock when they free range.

Ideas what it is or what's to be done?

 

[The-White-Elephant]

My poor hen Harriet has what looks like pink/reddish tissue hanging out of her back end. It doesn't drag the ground but it's hanging out 2". Her behavior is normal except she stays to herself more now instead of hanging with the flock when they free range.

Ideas what it is or what's to be done?

Might be intestines? Do you have pics?

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds like a prolapsed vent or cloaca. Pictures can help. Separate her right away, and keep the tissue moist with vaseline, veg oil, or honey. Look for any bleeding or injury from pecking. Does it look like an egg might be stuck? Here is some reading:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/prolapse-vent-causes-treatment-graphic/

 

[QChickieMama]

It sounds like a prolapsed vent or cloaca. Pictures can help. Separate her right away, and keep the tissue moist with vaseline, veg oil, or honey. Look for any bleeding or injury from pecking. Does it look like an egg might be stuck? Here is some reading:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/prolapse-vent-causes-treatment-graphic/

 

[Eggcessive]

I cannot tell exactly what I am seeing with the prolapse. Does it seem there is intestine hanging out, and how much? I would get her soaking and clean her up, and take another picture. If her intestines are hanging out and not just the prolapse, it might be that she would have to be put down. Do not let any of the internal tissue dry out. Keep it moist with oil or honey. Look at the link and see if it looks like a simple prolapse.

 

[QChickieMama]

I cannot tell exactly what I am seeing with the prolapse. Does it seem there is intestine hanging out, and how much? I would get her soaking and clean her up, and take another picture. If her intestines are hanging out and not just the prolapse, it might be that she would have to be put down. Do not let any of the internal tissue dry out. Keep it moist with oil or honey. Look at the link and see if it looks like a simple prolapse.

I'd be surprised if it's a simple prolapse. I'll see what I can see once I clean her up tomorrow. I hate to put her down but I sure don't want her to suffer.

 

[Eggcessive]

I don’t think this can wait until tomorrow. If her bowel is coming out, she will be suffering. I would try to clean it up tonight, and if it is hanging out more than 2 inches, that is probably not going to be pushed back inside. It might be best to put her down tonight.

 

[QChickieMama]

Good news. Under all the very messy feathers was what looks like a standard prolapse. I soaked and cleaned her best I could--lots of poo was so stuck on her feathers. Then I oiled her bum and pushed it all back in. The rest of her seems in good shape. Put her in her own pen with a darkening cover.

Today she's acting ok and laid an egg, slightly streaked with pink. Can't believe she was able to lay.

I'll keep her by herself for a week and keep an eye on her.

 

[Eggcessive]

A stuck egg or straining to lay can be one of several causes of prolapse. Glad that it has gone back inside. Pictures would be good if it occurs again. You might want to give her a human calcium and vitamin D supplement orally for a few days, since that can help with muscle contraction to help pass eggs.

 

[QChickieMama]

A stuck egg or straining to lay can be one of several causes of prolapse. Glad that it has gone back inside. Pictures would be good if it occurs again. You might want to give her a human calcium and vitamin D supplement orally for a few days, since that can help with muscle contraction to help pass eggs.

Well, it's prolapsed again and there's some poo stuck on it that won't easily come off. She was super mad at me for messing with it again. Seemed like trying to push it in again was painful. I'm thinking she might not improve... I didn't get it back in, not sure if pushing the poo back in there is helpful anyway, she's still in her isolation pen & fussy about it. Maybe my previous efforts were not helpful enough.