Hen splayed out in coop - not able to move - now laid egg

[MandS]

Thanks. It's not too warm and only 2 or 3 degrees different to outside.

I just hoped she wasn't trying to push something. I gave her another quarter of a TUMS, so she's had about 3/4 of a whole tablet.

She settled down for the night. Hope she keeps going. I'm hoping tomorrow has some more improvements.

I am now concerned she might have another egg but she so rarely lays that it would be a big coincidence.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks.

Yes, I did limit in in the room but later this afternoon, opened the curtains for about 3 to 4 hours. I thought she might not sleep otherwise.

Did I do the wrong thing?

I just hoped she wasn't trying to push something. I gave her another quarter of a TUMS, so she's had about 3/4 of a whole tablet.

No, you did not do anything wrong

I would give her a whole Tums every day for a few days.

 

[MandS]

Thank you so much.

 

[MandS]

Today's update:

She is still very bright, eager to eat, pooping well and has a bright red comb.

She is trying to stand and even walked a few steps towards the door (on her feet, not on her elbows!) when I brought food, but she cannot sustain it. She stood and ate for a while, more on her elbows, but she struggles, then goes down and pants. So it looks like it is real physical exertion to do it. I gave her another teaspoon of tuna today. That has vitamin B in it too, so hopefully that's helping keep her fortified and getting a bit more B in her. I am keeping the room dark still - just enough light for her to be able to see where things are and eat/drink.

I am giving 1 tablet of B Complex per day. These are the 100% RDA type, not the super strength. I have ordered some Nettex Power Drops (used to be called Nutri Drops) to give her a boost but they won't arrive until Wed/Thurs.

Tried to get an avian vet appointment - not a chance..... This will be without vet help at this rate. Normally, in an emergency, I would go to a non-specialist, but as we have to stay in our cars and hand over the animal, I am not going to do that as I have no idea how it could go if it was a vet who is using theory and not practical experience/knowledge. Had that a number of years ago and it resulted in a dead hen, so never, never, again.

So, in some ways, Peggy almost appears annoyed she cannot get up but she is trying a lot more - basically each time I go to the cage. By contrast, in the first two days, she just sat there.

I am also now trying to put together a sling for her and then will consider a wheelchair approach with castors. If she needs rehab after this (and once the B kicks in hopefully) then I am prepared to do whatever is necessary to help her get back her movement.

Thanks again to all for your advice and help. Please keep it coming and let me know if I am doing the right thing or if I am missing something out that could help.

 

[LaFleche]

Maybe this is of some help: https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...using-obturator-paralysis-a-case-study.76120/

 

[coach723]

You are doing well. It can sometimes take a bit of time for them to respond to vitamin therapy, it's very hard to predict. Sounds like she's doing ok for now. The panting could also just be stress. I totally understand not wanting to take her to a non-avian vet. As long as she's eating and drinking well, I would just continue what you are doing.

 

[LaFleche]

Thanks all


I haven't put a finger inside her but her rear is quite squashy. She is standing up more but then not able to do it and going back onto her elbows. Sorry to be really basic (and I have done it before) but as she is not fully mobile, I don't want to do anything that will make matters worse.

Before I used a nitrile glove with a bit of olive oil on it, and then went in. Am I aiming down or where? If it is a soft egg, how will I know?

I've given her about 3 to 4 hours of daylight and the rest of the time, she is in a room with little light and a dark area over the cage that she can head into.

She is still pooping - and they are solid and big. Very normal looking and she is eating well.

Did you weigh her already?

Marans, and the elderly ones even more so, are prone to accumulate a fat pad on their lower abdomen, which often leads to difficulties when trying to lay an egg.
If she is overweight and shows said fat pad, it would be best to put her on a diet with lots of sprouted barlay and grated carrots etc.

And don't forget to add some Vitamin D3+K to her diet, it helps with the calcium uptake.

 

[MandS]

Maybe this is of some help: https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...using-obturator-paralysis-a-case-study.76120/

Wow, what an excellent, well written article. Some similarities and it is a useful reference guide.

Thank you to both of you.

The comment about her being overweight is very interesting. She is a big bird and heavy. I have not weighed her recently and her issue is less about passing an egg (or at least was) and more about the lack of absorption of calcium.

And don't forget to add some Vitamin D3+K to her diet, it helps with the calcium uptake.

This is something I did not know and is very useful indeed. Have bought a sprinkle supplement that contains all of that - it's called Rooster Booster (by Battles Poultry - a UK company). Great advice. Thanks again.

Thank you to both!

 

[MandS]

I am afraid I have a other quick question.

She is standing up the moment she sees us coming in. She cannot do it for long and then she is panting quite heavily afterwards. I have seen her sitting on her blanket, turning around and also pulling in the sides with her beak.

Do you think I should try a warm bath in Epsom Salts or am I likely to stress her (plus it will be hard to get her underneath dry as she is permanently sitting on it)?

I do not want to do anything that will cause further stress and her backside goes down first like she is about to squat (which she does when she poops).

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Sounds like normal nesting behavior with the blanket.

A bird that is stressed or is having difficulty breathing, I would not soak, this can send them over the edge.

Just my 2¢