Our chicken swallowed a long stick!

[0ddyssey]

One of our hens (naked neck) tried to swallow a long stick or tree root. It was about 9 inches down her throat. My son found her like that when he went to feed them. He pulled it out and said that the part that was down her throat had red on it. (Blood & mucus maybe? I didn't see it, he told me about it afterwards.)

She's acting like nothing happened, though, so I'm hoping that's a good sign.

Is there anything I should give her or do for her? Should I be super concerned? What should I look out for? I've never had a chicken try to eat something like that before.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'd just keep watch on her for a few days to see how she's getting along.

 

[0ddyssey]

Well, this morning she ate 2 pieces of corn and stopped and walked away from the food.

 

[janiedoe]

Well, this morning she ate 2 pieces of corn and stopped and walked away from the food.

Have you tried wet mash? Just a tablespoon of feed with a bit of water.
Is she drinking? Pooping?

 

[0ddyssey]

Have you tried wet mash? Just a tablespoon of feed with a bit of water.
Is she drinking? Pooping?

I didn't think about wet mash. We'll have to try that tomorrow. Not sure about drinking or pooping. Not that we've seen, but she might be when we're in the house.

 

[0ddyssey]

Just an update for anyone who's interested...

Our hen recovered nicely. She's back to eating normally and acts like nothing happened. Softened food helped. Thanks to everyone!