Internal Laying & Other Reproductive Malfunctions: my YouTube Video (GRAPHIC PHOTOS!)

[speckledhen]

Thanks for that answer, I agree, all outcomes from them all are not good. Mostly just wanted to know for the sake of accuracy, and for final determination when looking at a necropsy to have a more accurate idea of what actually happened. My curiosity usually leads me to need to know. Thanks so much!

Usually, when I find masses in the abdomen, I also find the oviduct plugged up with them as well, for whatever that's worth. Thanks for commenting.

 

[micstrachan]

Just became aware of this great thread. I have two questions:

1. My hen was diagnosed with EYP by an avian vet at just one year old. The vet said when he inspected the fluid he drained from her abdomen, it looked like there were inflammation cells, but not infection cells. Does that mean at that point is was actually just interall laying and had not yet become EYP? My hen had a RAPID decline and was on the brink of death when I brought her in.

2. How do I get “non-hatchery” chicks? I have a mixed flock of nine, all from the same feed store over two seasons. I think the feed store might use Privette (?) The whole flock seems healthy (except the molters, who feel lousy righg now), but I have a nagging paranoia that more will eventually have internal laying issues because of being from a hatchery. I live in Northern California, in case that helps. I will likely hold off this year since mine is a nice manageable size for my set up and experience level, but I’m sure I will want more at some point. My chickens are beloved pets. Thanks.

 

[speckledhen]

Just became aware of this great thread. I have two questions:

1. My hen was diagnosed with EYP by an avian vet at just one year old. The vet said when he inspected the fluid he drained from her abdomen, it looked like there were inflammation cells, but not infection cells. Does that mean at that point is was actually just interall laying and had not yet become EYP? My hen had a RAPID decline and was on the brink of death when I brought her in.

2. How do I get “non-hatchery” chicks? I have a mixed flock of nine, all from the same feed store over two seasons. I think the feed store might use Privette (?) The whole flock seems healthy (except the molters, who feel lousy righg now), but I have a nagging paranoia that more will eventually have internal laying issues because of being from a hatchery. I live in Northern California, in case that helps. I will likely hold off this year since mine is a nice manageable size for my set up and experience level, but I’m sure I will want more at some point. My chickens are beloved pets. Thanks.

EYP and internal laying are actually two different ailments, which can happen at the exact same time, but from the outside, you cannot tell which is which. EYP is an infection, technically, but can become a death sentence since you cannot treat what you cannot see or tell is happening. I had a hen die from EYP that was not internally laying at all. They can be separate or together, but I feel that EYP probably precedes internal laying, blocking the oviducts so eggs begin to drop into the abdomen. That may not be entirely correct, however, it's what it seems from what I've found when I opened up hens.

You can hatch eggs (which is what I did and still do when I need new blood)or buy birds from reputable breeders who are not propagators of hatchery stock, though even my hatchery daughters were slightly less prone to this stuff than their direct-from-hatchery moms, it seemed to me. Breeder quality birds seem to fare much better. There are many here on BYC, probably in your area.

 

[Cragg Klefor]

For educational purposes for BYC members...

The graphic photos begin immediately after the title, so you are warned if you're squeamish, but it pays to know what it looks like inside, squeamish or not.

Thank you for this SpeckledHen. Very informative and interesting.
I take in ex-battery hens so needless to say, this is and will be a constant in my flocks.
Thanks again.

 

[speckledhen]

Thank you for this SpeckledHen. Very informative and interesting.
I take in ex-battery hens so needless to say, this is and will be a constant in my flocks.
Thanks again.

You're welcome. That's very kind of you. At least, their last days will be spent in kindness.