Hen with unformed egg

[Fowlbird]

Hi, not sure how to explain this properly, but here goes. One of our new hens (ex battery farm, so around 14 months old) has got what looks like, an unformed egg coming from her vent. She is out with the others, but is hunched up and straining quite a lot. We are due to go on holiday today, and would love to get her sorted out before we go - any help much appreciated!

 

[iwiw60]

Sounds like she is egg bound somewhat. Give her a very warm bath with epsom salts, around 15-30 minutes...this should help her to pass the egg. Keep us updated!

 

[Eggcessive]

You also should give her some calcium--a human supplement, crushed oystershell, or Tums calcium antacid tablet will work. Egg binding can be a symptom of low calcium.

 

[Fowlbird]

Thanks for the replies, and sorry its taken me so long to update! Cassie (short for Cassawary!), has made a full recovery without any intervention on my part and is getting bolder by the day. Thank you for the advice, we are making sure they are getting enough calcium and now we know what to do in the future. Thanks again.

 

[iwiw60]

Sooo good to hear that! Just make sure she and the others have oyster shell "on the side" so they can take what they need...somehow they just know! So happy for you!