layer with naked inflamed area around vent

[mmmerz]

Hello folks, I've got a chicken with a problem and would love some feedback. She's a 7 year old Americauna. There is a naked, slightly inflamed area around her vent. To one side of the vent there is a one inch diameter swelling. I don't see any sign of a scrape or other injury. She is otherwise quite healthy with good plumage, good energy and laying 4 to 5 eggs per week. My other 4 hens are fine. I've been told that she's quite old and this may be the beginning of her decline. Any ideas ? Thanks and happy chickens !

 

[Neilette]

Is she maybe egg bound?

 

[mmmerz]

Hi, No not eggbound. She just laid a whopper of an egg today. I did give the swelling a feel this evening and it seems to be spherical. When I squeezed it gently she didn't react as if it were painful but nibbled my leg as if I were scratching an itchy spot. Hmmm.

 

[feathersnuggles]

If it's a lump like swelling, it might be a hernia. Check out this post for more info:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=316725

 

[mmmerz]

Thank you very much. That was very helpful information. Wouldn't surprise me if she did have a hernia considering how often she lays at her advanced age. She also thinks she's a duck and lays gigantic eggs. Still awed every time she gives me another big, blue bomb. I'm assuming, based on the conversation I read, that there is nothing to do but keep her happy, as usual.