One bites the dust...

[Desiree Lapointe]

I just recently lost one of my hens due to I'm pretty sure what was a blow-out due to being egg-bound. I watch my girls very closely, she was fine the night before, but the next morning she was waddling like a penguin, looking like she was trying to get something out. I tried my best to massage it out and even took the vaseline and used a glove to try and lube it out, but by the time I got home to check on her, flies had got to her and her butt was covered in maggots. Is there anything I can do next time or symptoms to watch for so I don't lose another! This is my first rodeo with chickens so it was hard seeing her go!

 

[naf_appaz]

I have no experience with it, however there is a good article or thread titled "fly strike" I believe that may answer your questions...good luck!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @Desiree Lapointe Welcome To BYC

Sorry to hear about your hen.

Without photos it's hard to know what you were seeing.
It's possible she may have been egg bound and prolapsed? Was the oviduct sticking out (red tissue)?

Flies can lay eggs on exposed tissue and skin, which results in maggots (they can hatch within 24hours). The maggots will consume the flesh and can actually go inside the body and do a great deal of damage in short time.

Next time you have a hen that is standing like a penguin and is in distress, if at all possible move her inside. Soak her in a warm epsom salt bath, provide her with extra calcium and vitamins. Place her in a quiet, semi-dark room where she can relax a bit and hopefully work on laying the egg. Keeping her hydrated is very important as well.

Here's some articles that give a quick, yet thorough overview of the 3things that I think you may have been seeing:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/07/chicken-egg-binding-causes-symptoms.html
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/04/prolapse-vent-causes-treatment-graphic.html
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/07/flystrike-in-backyard-chickens-causes.html