Lethargy, Rubbery-eggs

[Kiki]

extract: ... "Cracked or rolled corn is a common ingredient in scratch feed. Corn is high in carbohydrates, which helps birds generate energy to stay warm. " //end

Kalmbach Henhouse Reserve: https://www.chewy.com/kalmbach-feed...gHN1XL63x1DyYANXIec4_iAaNWDM7I2waAjgyEALw_wcB

Scratch is not a feed..it is a junk treat. Corn doesn't produce any more body heat than eating a balanced crumble or pelleted feed does.

Feeding a whole grain type feed can cause issues like you are seeing. The birds can pick and choose which seeds/grains they want to eat and end up not getting a balanced diet.

I would try to get some balanced nutrition in to her asap.

 

[Woodys Chickins]

Is this chicken the same one that was being bullied a while back?

Could be... both the RIReds are less aggressive than the other three and both of them tend to low on the 'pecking order'. The aggressive bully'ing (by the Delaware) tappered off after the Delaware came out of her molt period. However, she will still "growl" at each of the Reds when there treats given.

 

[Woodys Chickins]

Scratch is not a feed..it is a junk treat. Corn doesn't produce any more body heat than eating a balanced crumble or pelleted feed does.

Feeding a whole grain type feed can cause issues like you are seeing. The birds can pick and choose which seeds/grains they want to eat and end up not getting a balanced diet.

I would try to get some balanced nutrition in to her asap.

Thanks...was hoping there might be someone here that could diagnose the ailment of my 1 chicken (the others are fine; no issues with their feed). But thank you for your feed opinion.

 

[Kiki]

Thanks...was hoping there might be someone here that could diagnose the ailment of my 1 chicken (the others are fine; no issues with their feed). But thank you for your feed opinion.

I believe that what she has been eating is causing her rubbery eggs.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

a few minutes then squatted and laid a cracked rubbery shell egg right in front of me (never happened before; she always goes to the nest). Today, I noticed what looked like yellow egg-yolk smears in several places on our back porch area. It wasn't fresh so I assume it wasn't from today. I've looked into "lash egg" but based on what I've read, I'm inclined to think NOT IT.

Today, I picked up the sick one and managed to injected some CORID-water-mixture into her mouth (2ml). She's isolating herself from the other 4.

I would give her Extra Calcium as suggested.
You can find Calcium Citrate+D3 at stores like Walmart, CVS, etc.
Pull down on the wattles, pop the pill right into the beak and let her swallow. (Yes, she can swallow the huge pill). Give 1 pill once daily for 5 days. See if that helps.

If you find another odd egg, please take photos.

You've given Corid water mixture - what is that? How much Corid did you give?
Corid is a Coccidiostat, not an antibiotic.

If you are treating for Coccidiosis, then you will want to provide Corid water as the only source of drinking water for 5-7days.
Liquid Corid dose is 2tsp or Powdered Corid Dose is 1 1/2tsp per gallon of water given for 5-7days as the only source of drinking water.
Do not add any extra vitamins/electrolytes that contain B1(Thiamine) to food or water during the course of treatment.

If you are attempting to give her a Direct Oral Drench of Undiluted Liquid Corid, the dosing rate is 0.10ml per pound of weight given orally once a day for 3days. (A 5pound hen would receive a dose of 0.50ml)
**Do note, that the Drench is in addition to the bird drinking the mixed Corid water for 5-7days.
Example of Calcium Citrate+D3

 

[Woodys Chickins]

I would give her Extra Calcium as suggested.
You can find Calcium Citrate+D3 at stores like Walmart, CVS, etc.
Pull down on the wattles, pop the pill right into the beak and let her swallow. (Yes, she can swallow the huge pill). Give 1 pill once daily for 5 days. See if that helps.

If you find another odd egg, please take photos.

You've given Corid water mixture - what is that? How much Corid did you give?
Corid is a Coccidiostat, not an antibiotic.

If you are treating for Coccidiosis, then you will want to provide Corid water as the only source of drinking water for 5-7days.
Liquid Corid dose is 2tsp or Powdered Corid Dose is 1 1/2tsp per gallon of water given for 5-7days as the only source of drinking water.
Do not add any extra vitamins/electrolytes that contain B1(Thiamine) to food or water during the course of treatment.

If you are attempting to give her a Direct Oral Drench of Undiluted Liquid Corid, the dosing rate is 0.10ml per pound of weight given orally once a day for 3days. (A 5pound hen would receive a dose of 0.50ml)
**Do note, that the Drench is in addition to the bird drinking the mixed Corid water for 5-7days.
Example of Calcium Citrate+D3
View attachment 4037163

Thank you for the Calcium recommendation--appreciated. I think I have some of that in my cupboard; will do!

"CORID water" -- sorry, that's my own description. I measured the proper portion (CORID to 1 gallon), then sucked up some of the mixture into an syringe (maybe 2ml?) and slowly gave her that. So, 'corid water' = the diluted mixture.

ATTACHEMENTS --
EGG: I have the photo of the egg which she laid at my feet after sleeping in my lap. I'll attach. I found two other eggs (no photos); those were 'elongated shriveled up' eggs (maybe a day old?). So, she's been doing this for about 4 days now that i've noticed.
VIDEO: I have a video-cam in my coop. Early this morning the cam captured her expelling 'volcano poop' (sorry it's gross). Its a short video and takes a few seconds to begin...happens quick. She's the RED on the far right of the screen.


appreciate all comments.

 

[Woodys Chickins]

as requested -- another egg today.
Mostly liquid yoke (in normal sack) with liquid; deformed shell.

Treatment update: mid-day, i crushed a Calcium/D and smushed it up with a few grapes. All the chickens gather around (including the sick one...all seem to have normal behavior/excitement for treat). I managed to "trick" the sick one to gobble down most of the 'treated grapes' before she caught on that 'this doesn't quite taste right'. I think I got her to take mostly the whole tablet with 6-7 grape halves.

Again, all hens seem to be behaving normally. The sick one is a bit stand-offish but otherwise appears normal (xcept for the squirt-poop and the yolky-looking eggs.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

as requested -- another egg today.
Mostly liquid yoke (in normal sack) with liquid; deformed shell.

Treatment update: mid-day, i crushed a Calcium/D and smushed it up with a few grapes. All the chickens gather around (including the sick one...all seem to have normal behavior/excitement for treat). I managed to "trick" the sick one to gobble down most of the 'treated grapes' before she caught on that 'this doesn't quite taste right'. I think I got her to take mostly the whole tablet with 6-7 grape halves.

Again, all hens seem to be behaving normally. The sick one is a bit stand-offish but otherwise appears normal (xcept for the squirt-poop and the yolky-looking eggs.

View attachment 4037400

I would try to direct dose her with the Extra Calcium to ensure she's getting at least 300mg Calcium Citrate+D3 daily for a week.

I would watch to see if she's eating all of the components of the feed and not just picking out the things she likes best. Often that can happen and over time, a bird can become deficient in key nutrients. If she's picking through the feed, try offering it wet/soaked or fermented or even try a pelleted feed.

The egg she laid at your feet, there's a "blob" on the membrane, did you happen to feel of that? Was it like squishy/rubbery or ?
It looks like it could be some lash material but so hard to know.
Do you have any Amoxicillin on hand? If so, I'd consider treating for Salpingitis too.

 

[Woodys Chickins]

UPDATE : It has been over a month so I thought I'd post an update. Not better.

I'm somewhat confident at this time (based on readings) that my chicken is suffering from some sort of reproduction tract infection. Not sure if it is "lash egg" or "egg bound" related.

TREATMENT THUS FAR:
--I've treated for coccidiosis (CORID). That seems to perk her up a little for a few days, but no change to the egg laying.
--I've treated for worms (fenbenzoline...sp?). No change.
--Ivermec (4 drops; neck, vent, wing-armpits). No change
--ACV water. No change
--VERM-X water (vitamins drink). No change.
--Feed; modified the feed for more protein.
--Oyster shells; free access.
--Calcium/D vitamin tablet (crushed; mixed with scrambled eggs or inserted into a grape). Truthfully, I haven't done this daily. No change.
--Isoloation. No change.

OBSERVATION (last 3 days)
She hasn't laid a single viable egg in over a month.

• 3 days ago I noticed her (mid-afternoon) squatting with her wings slightly fluffed out. When I checked on her I found a rubbery, stringy egg-shell dangling out "down there"; maybe 2 1/2 inches long. There was also some poop mixed. I was able to gently pull out some of the egg shell, but the part that was still "up in there" didn't want to come out and i didn't yank on it. Eventually she expelled it (somewhere).
• In the mornings, I check under the spot where she roosts and it is not uncommon for me to find a distorted egg shell pooped out.
• Yesterday, I couldn't find her (I let them out to free range during the late afternoon/early evening). I eventually found her isolated, sitting down, very weak looking. (not trying to lay) So, I isolated her overnight inside in a large pet crate with water and feed. This morning I checked on her. She was drinking lots of water, but I didn't notice her eating. So, I made her a scrambled egg treat--typically she goes crazy for--didn't touch it.
• She's somewhat 'inactive'; however, she typically is sociable with the others.
• This morning I took a couple pictures (attached) of her back-end area (nasty) as well as what she pooped out overnight (also nasty).
• I've felt "down-there"...does NOT feel bulgy or swollen.
• I haven't washed or sat her in a soak.

Although she IS a pet, I haven't taken her to the Vet. Don't intend to.

QUESTION: Is there medication I can by at the feed store (dosage? application?) to treat for a reproductive issue? Also, would an epson salt soak (warm water...how long?) be beneficial?

Waiting for thoughts.

 

[Bawkbok]

Normal feed is Kalmbach Henhouse Reserved. Full access to the feed whenever they want (feeder)

I'm sorry your girl is still feeling poorly.

I didn't see (unless I missed it) where her crop is empty in the morning. Can you confirm this? Does it feel squishy, hard or lumpy?

The Henhouse Reserve is filled with "junk food". We have it but only use it as an occasional scratch treat to get them to return to the run, and then, it is only given about 50% of the time. A better choice might be Kalmbach All Flock. It has higher protein and you already offer OS on the side so she'll be getting enough calcium as needed.

I don't know what else to suggest. Hoping others with more experience will address you soon. Best of luck with her. I hope she recovers.