Hi,
Last night our chickens our free ranging in our garden, running around and having a great time. No problems. After putting them back in their run, I checked on them 2 hours later and found 2 of the girls with blood on their beaks. I then saw that one of the chickens was huddled in the corner, with her vent covered in blood. It was obvious that the 2 chickens had been pecking at her vent.
What I have not been able to figure out, is whether this was bullying or the chicken suffered some kind of prolapse and the pecking was a result?
I bathed her in warm water, cleaned the vent which was a real mess at this stage and disinfected the area. She is now isolated and looking very sorry, although she is moving around a little and drinking water. I have attached a photo which I warn is not so nice but if anyone can take a look and suggest some further action it would be really appreciated. I can't figure out if this is a prolapse or just a swollen mess? My question is where do I go from here? Another bath tonight? Anything else I can do?
Thanks
Last night our chickens our free ranging in our garden, running around and having a great time. No problems. After putting them back in their run, I checked on them 2 hours later and found 2 of the girls with blood on their beaks. I then saw that one of the chickens was huddled in the corner, with her vent covered in blood. It was obvious that the 2 chickens had been pecking at her vent.
What I have not been able to figure out, is whether this was bullying or the chicken suffered some kind of prolapse and the pecking was a result?
I bathed her in warm water, cleaned the vent which was a real mess at this stage and disinfected the area. She is now isolated and looking very sorry, although she is moving around a little and drinking water. I have attached a photo which I warn is not so nice but if anyone can take a look and suggest some further action it would be really appreciated. I can't figure out if this is a prolapse or just a swollen mess? My question is where do I go from here? Another bath tonight? Anything else I can do?
Thanks