Internal Layer: Can anything be done to help her?

[BlueMoon]

We have an internal layer here. I knew there was something wrong when a hen I'd never seen in a nesting box was asleep in one.
Did a vent exploration and could feel lumps, like a soft egg. Her abdomen is distended, just huge. So I've kept her isolated and now she has penguin stance.
Is there anything I can do to help her other than operating?

 

[hinkjc]

The only way to help an internal layer is to have a hysterectomy done by a vet. They will remove all internally laid eggs and her ovum, so she stops producing more. She will never lay again, but can recover nicely and lead a pet life.

Are you certain she is an internal layer and not eggbound? For eggbound, you could try a warm bath soak. That sometimes helps them release the egg by relaxing the muscles. Following the bath, blow her dry on a low setting and keep her in a dimly lit area to shut off her lay cycle.

Jody

 

[BlueMoon]

Thanks Jody - I've given her a few baths. I wouldn't rule out being egg bound, but I can't seem to move any of the masses.
We followed Damerow's instructions of gently pushing on the abdomen and looking for an egg - there wasn't one. The thing I think might be an egg feels to be attached.

The baths seem to help relax her. We realized last night she's starving too, so we're giving her ground meat with olive oil on them, eggs, and am picking up yogurt for her today.