Laid egg/pooped hen still lethargic

[Rerederara]

Hi All

one of our rescue hens (highline, 18 months) we got on tuesday seems off. She's been becoming more and more lethargic, sitting/lying down, eyes closed, vent pulsating as if she is straining. Could not feel 'egg shape' when examining her belly. I also wasn't sure if she was laying so gave her Epsom salt soak and kept her indoors. She did a massive normal looking poo and laid an egg this morning. As she seemed perkier I let her roam a little in the garden. Later on I noticed her lying down in the rain and looking not so well again so soaked her in Epsom salts again, she promptly pooped in the water. I have trying to see if she eats/drinks but I am not sure - she's in the house again, lying down and with eyes closed/drooping.

She came from an organic, free range farm and her and the others seem to be molting - the other 3 hens from same farm not displaying any symptoms.

She was the most active and bold hen out of the 4 and she is definitely my favourite. Please help.

 

[Eggcessive]

She sounds like she is having some reproductive problem where she is producing eggs and maybe egg parts too fast, as they can do in impacted oviduct. Shell-less eggs or other parts, such as membranes, yolks, or albumen may be produced. This makes them feel very weak. I would give some human calcium 1/2 tablet or 1/2 Tums orally or in a small amount of cooked egg if she will take it. Do this for 3 days to see if it helps. Offer water as well, and vitamins may help. You could place her in a warm humid room or on a moist towel on a low heating pad, instead of soaking her. She also may be starting to go through a molt and stop laying for awhile. Here is some reading:
http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/oviduct-impaction

 

[Rerederara]

Thank you for this - I have not been able to find calcium tabs as I live in a teeny town in the middle of nowhere. Have been giving her eggs instead- if she's still not better I might just take her to the vet.

She is eating and drinking but still not walking much...

Her bottom is still red and seems swollen. she'll do another egg today

 

[Eggcessive]

Does her lower belly under her vent feel squishy or firm? There might be internal laying with masses of lash egg material or fluid from ascites. If you can grind an egg shell in a food processor, and feed her some with a little egg, that would give her a dose of calcium and vitamin D3.

 

[Rerederara]

It's squishy. I've been feeding her egg + egg shells which she gobbles up. Thank you for your reply!

 

[Rerederara]

It's squishy. I've been feeding her egg + egg shells which she gobbles up. Thank you for your reply!

She's also done another egg!

 

[Eggcessive]

I have had a few hens with large squishy lower bellies for a couple of years. Many had stopped laying. Ascites could be an issue. Some vets or people will try to drain ascites fluid from the lower belly. It is a cure, or not without risk of infection or death, but it can relieve some pressure. I might not do that at this time, but just observe her, since she is laying and pooping okay.

 

[Eggcessive]

Here is the OP’s other thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/attachments/20200523_144449-jpg.2157381/