My Hen has a PROLAPSE, HELP!!!

[ricemazter]

Ok so I just noticed today while my bird was freaking out, I posted a thread on this earlier, but now I'm positive it's a prolapse. So far I've soaked her in warm water, cut the feathers off around her vent, and put prep H on it (didn't really know how to go about that but I did my best). Now I don't know what to do for her. As of this moment I put her in a cat carrier and covered it with a towel because whenever the thing popped out she would screech and run to a confined area. She's much quieter now. How many times a day should I put on the H, should I keep her in the carrier? If so how would I best get her food and water? She's my first bird and I don't really know much PLEASE HELP.

 

[thebanthams]

How to Help a Prolapsed Chicken

You need to act quickly, before it becomes cut or infected, or the other chickens start to peck at it. Bring the chicken inside, and clean the prolapsed vent as gently as you can with warm water and a clean lint-free cloth or paper towel.
Many sources advise dabbing the prolapse with honey before pushing it back where it belongs. Honey has antiseptic qualities, and can help shrink the tissues back to normal size.
Wash your hands, and don clean rubber gloves or surgical gloves if you have some. Gently push the prolapsed tissue back into the hen’s vent where it belongs. Once you turn everything right side-in, it should stay in place. In some cases it can be helpful to apply Preparation H to the vent area afterward.
You may want to isolate the hen, and give her antibiotics over the next few days. Keep her under close supervision, to make sure that everything is back to normal.

 

[ricemazter]

Well I don't really have to worry about other chickens since she's the only one in my "flock." But here prolapse isn't hanging out of her it keeps popping out then receding into her vent. What does this mean exactly? Should I try to push it back in whenever I see it? Should I continue to keep her in a confined space? I guess I probably shouldn't let her out at all in case she accidentally injures herself? Can I use antibiotic ointment and apply directly or should I go out and purchase one specifically for chickens that is taken orally?
Thanks for the help.

 

[Indigosands]

How old is she? This sounds to me like the panicked behavior of a pullet trying to lay her first egg. Does it look like this? If it does please, please do not push it back in her body! You could really damage her this way.

 

[ricemazter]

She's laid plenty of times before, and I've seen her lay. It did not look like this. This looks like a large red bulge that poped out (causing her to shriek) and then receding back in. As I said before yesterday I gave her a bath and then put prep h in and around her cloaca, as well as on the bulge when I could see it. I noticed that everytime she was in pain she would run around and try to get in a small enclosed space, so I put her in a cat carrier for the night and she was calm. This morning i didn't here anything, but I had to rush to school so I didn't have a lot of time to inspect her. When I got home today I took her out (she had made a huge mess) and used a used a warm wetted paper towel to clean the area where she messed herself. I then applied some more prep H. Throughout all this she hadn't once shrieked in pain, and could no longer see the prolapse at all, so I guess that's a good sign. She still seems a little edgy though, but that could be I guess because of everything that's happened to her so far. I'm going to keep watching her, and give her a calcium supplement tonight.

Any other suggestions?

 

[ricemazter]

Another question. I got vitamin D3 and calcium drench from Tractor Supply based on what I read about chicken prolapse from other sites. But, the directions are for goats. How much should I give my hen. I got some plain yogurt to mix it in.

 

[Suzie]

It would be advisable to keep her in a dark place where she should not strain to lay any eggs -she needs to rest without any undue strain - hopefully she will be OK in a few days - she will probably poop and will need to be cleaned thoroughly - always use rubber gloves to protect yourself from any risk of infection!

Wishing you all the best

Suzie

 

[Indigosands]

poor little thing. I hope she turns the corner for you!

 

[Chicken D's mom]

I had a hen with prolapse, but the prolapse didn't kill her. She (obviously not feeling good) fell off of her perch and broke her neck....

Very important to keep her safe and confined until she is better.