Lethargy and white liquid from vent

[Soot the silkie]

My two olive egger hens long had issues with laying shell-less or soft shelled eggs. I've seen both of them have the same problem before- they look a bit down and lethargic, their stance is more upright, as though laying an egg, and bits of egg exude from their vent. Today, one of them was having this issue in the morning, and I thought she would probably pass the egg by midday, but putting them in their coop tonight, she still looks lethargic and her body is still positioned strangely. The liquid around her vent does not seem to be all egg, but a more opaque white liquid as well. She seems to still be alert, though a bit more tired. I was wondering whether it is serious, whether there's anything I should do for her now or in the morning, or whether it's simply like my other cases involving soft-shelled eggs and she'll get over it. It's been about fourteen hours at this point. Thank you for any advice you may have.

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

Sounds like she's plugged up. It's odd that there is two of them, though. I would keep them separate until you know what is going on.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

shell-less or soft shelled eggs.....she still looks lethargic and her body is still positioned strangely. The liquid around her vent does not seem to be all egg, but a more opaque white liquid as well.

How is she this morning?
Can you post some photos of the liquid around her vent and how she is positioned strangely?
Is she pooping?
Any swelling/bloat or feeling of fluid in the abdomen?
What type of food/treats do you feed?
Do you provide oyster shell free choice?

Being lethargic and standing strangely is not normal. It sounds like she is having difficulty passing an egg or she may have an internal laying/reproductive disorder like Egg Yolk Peritonitis, Ascites, cancer or tumors.

Try to get her hydrated, offer some poultry vitamins and some extra calcium.
Let us know how she is.

 

[Soot the silkie]

How is she this morning?
Can you post some photos of the liquid around her vent and how she is positioned strangely?
Is she pooping?
Any swelling/bloat or feeling of fluid in the abdomen?
What type of food/treats do you feed?
Do you provide oyster shell free choice?

Being lethargic and standing strangely is not normal. It sounds like she is having difficulty passing an egg or she may have an internal laying/reproductive disorder like Egg Yolk Peritonitis, Ascites, cancer or tumors.

Try to get her hydrated, offer some poultry vitamins and some extra calcium.
Let us know how she is.

She's doing this better this morning, she's now walking around and acting almost normally though she still seems a little lethargic. Her hips seem, just from picking her up, as though they are wider apart, but not swollen or bloated per say. She doesn't seem uncomfortable being held. I think she's been pooping and I've seen her drinking and eating a little. I have both oyster shells and crushed eggshell out for them, and my barred rocks have no issues with soft shells or any other calcium issues. Good point about giving her vitamins, I ought to do that. Attached is a picture of around her vent. Thank you for your help!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

You may want to give her a clean-up, especially if it's hot where you are. This will also allow you to check her vent to see there is more discharge, irritation, etc.

Some hens, don't absorb/process the nutrients they need efficiently. Since she is laying soft shell/shell less eggs - if it continues you may need to supplement her calcium further than just oyster shell and crushed egg shells to see if it makes a differenc.

 

[Soot the silkie]

You may want to give her a clean-up, especially if it's hot where you are. This will also allow you to check her vent to see there is more discharge, irritation, etc.

Some hens, don't absorb/process the nutrients they need efficiently. Since she is laying soft shell/shell less eggs - if it continues you may need to supplement her calcium further than just oyster shell and crushed egg shells to see if it makes a differenc.

I was thinking about maybe washing her off a little, even though I don't think she'll enjoy that very much. It only get about 60-70 degrees here, so I'm not too worried, but it definitely would be a good idea.

Most of the time she lays fine eggs. This sort of thing only happens every six months or so, and never as serious as this. I might consider a supplement if she doesn't recover well, though. Thank you!