It's spreading

[newhenstein castle]

Help, I am not sure if there is a virus that is spreading in my flock or if my chickens are egg bound. About two weeks ago we had new checks. I separated the main flock from the chicken coop for about a week. I had a nest box set up for them in the chicken run but I only got about four eggs in one week from 10 hens . So I opened up for all to roamaround in and outside the coop.
About a week later one of my hens Started fluffing up and having a poopy cloaca. Today, less than a week later three more hens are affected.
I had separated the first hen from the flock and her belly is swollen and she’s uncomfortable. I don’t have any other locations to quarantine the newly sick chickens.
my question is do you believe that they caught a virus? Or do you believe they might be egg bound? Whatever your opinion please give advice if you have experience with this situation.

 

[orloffer]

I am sorry this is happening to your flock, and that you have to deal with it. Unfortunately I am not experienced in this field, and therefore cannot offer you advice. However, I wish you luck with your chickies, and hope someone will come along soon to help you.

 

[MysteryChicken]

They could've contracted Salmonella.
A bacteria.

 

[paulinachickies]

What do their poops actually look like? I think pictures would be helpful. Also, you can try to gently poke a gloved finger (use lubricant or oil) inside their cloaca to see if you can feel an egg to determine whether they are egg bound.

I am not an expert on how viruses spread between flocks but have heard that it is definitely possible if they’re right next to each other or if you’re wearing the same clothes and shoes. For future reference - There are lots of posts on this, but many recommend at least 2 weeks of quarantining them as far away from each other as your space allows.