Lathargic

[tsperry88]

I have a 24 week old Rhode Island Red that was acting perfectly normal this morning. When I checked on them late afternoon, she was just standing, slightly puffed, and not acting herself. I moved her to the food and water and she took a drink, and continued just standing. I checked her over and didn't find anything unusual other than her crop was mostly empty and slightly squishy. Her comb is red and eyes normal. I am not sure if she has laid her first egg. I tried to feel for anything that would tell me if she is egg bound and couldn't tell. I put her in a small brooder area in the basement and she is pooping. Nightly temperatures are just around freezing. Day temps are low 40F. If she seems ok in the morning, I'll put her back with the flock. If she does not seem ok, any suggestions on what to do?

 

[tsperry88]

I just brought her upstairs and gave her wet mash with a nutri drench mixed. She ate like I hadn't fed her in a week. Maybe she just ate something that didnt set well. I dont know, but she seemed fine. I'll put her outside tomorrow.

 

[tsperry88]

She seems fine. I believe she had a soft egg bound up. I saw a what looked like a large shriveled piece of eggshell where she slept in my basement. Came back a few minutes later and she had eaten it. Her crop was full, so I assume she had eaten the whole egg. Bad habbit I know.....

 

[dawg53]

I recommend that you just keep an eye on her and provide crushed oyster shell as free choice if you havnt already done so.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I checked her over and didn't find anything unusual other than her crop was mostly empty and slightly squishy.

I tried to feel for anything that would tell me if she is egg bound and couldn't tell. I put her in a small brooder area in the basement and she is pooping.

She seems fine. I believe she had a soft egg bound up. I saw a what looked like a large shriveled piece of eggshell where she slept in my basement. Came back a few minutes later and she had eaten it. Her crop was full, so I assume she had eaten the whole egg

Glad to hear she's feeling better.
I would put her back with the flock and observe her for the day.
In the morning check her crop first thing before she eats/drinks to make sure it's empty.

If this was her first egg then likely a glitch, but if you haven't done so, provide oyster shell free choice.

Just a note - to check for egg binding you would feel inside the vent about 1-2" with a lubricated gloved finger.

Keep us posted.

One more note LOL Eating a shriveled/soft shelled egg membrane, etc. usually doesn't lead to egg eating ime - they don't seem to associate these with hard shelled "normal" eggs.