Possible EYP?

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

I have a 1.5 year old hen who has been laying shell-less eggs for several months now. She used to lay normal eggs, but all of a sudden it switched. It's become increasingly hard for her to lay, typically she has to walk while doing it. She seems very uncomfortable when she does it. Otherwise, she's a happy and healthy chicken. I took her to an avian vet a few months back who said she looked good overall, didn't feel any large masses. Gave me a course of doxycycline and that seemed to have no effect (reason was he thought she could have had a respiratory virus at some point that caused a reproductive issue). I've supplemented her directly with calcium citrate which has had no effect.

This morning I woke up to this on the poop board, she does tend to have watery poop but this seems significant. She's lethargic and not interested in food. I have a vet appointment tonight but thinking I might try to take her to the emergency vet. Anything to check for in the meantime? Should I try to take her in ASAP?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would try to get her drinking fluids or electrolytes as much as she will take in order to keep her hydrated for your pm appointment later. Infectious bronchitis virus can be a cause of reproductive issues. I would probably try to give her a calcium tablet orally in the back of her throat today. That can increase the muscle contraction to pass a stuck egg. Some vets can give hormone implants to stop laying for 4-6 months which might pause her reproductive problems. Spaying is possible, but can be dangerous since chickens do not tolerate anesthesia well.

 

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

I would try to get her drinking fluids or electrolytes as much as she will take in order to keep her hydrated for your pm appointment later. Infectious bronchitis virus can be a cause of reproductive issues. I would probably try to give her a calcium tablet orally in the back of her throat today. That can increase the muscle contraction to pass a stuck egg. Some vets can give hormone implants to stop laying for 4-6 months which might pause her reproductive problems. Spaying is possible, but can be dangerous since chickens do not tolerate anesthesia well.

Do you think she has a stuck egg? She typically lays a soft shell every two days IIRC she had one yesterday morning. I actually don't know for sure what all that is on the droppings board. Thank you for the input! I had read about the implant, definitely interested to discuss that if it increases her quality of life.

 

[Eggcessive]

It is hard to know if she might have a stuck egg without checking her vent. She might have a reproductive infection, since that can happen if a shell-less egg breaks inside.

 

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

It is hard to know if she might have a stuck egg without checking her vent. She might have a reproductive infection, since that can happen if a shell-less egg breaks inside.

Not much clarity tonight but feel better having taken her in! They did an exam, fecal, and took some blood that they have to send out. Exam and fecal were both good. They sent me home with Clavamox to try and I’ll be giving her calcium gluconate. If the CBC is normal then I’m not sure from there. I imagine it means what I’ve assumed all this time which is reproductive issue, and that would take X-rays at least to diagnose and that’s a whole new game. Bleh. Thanks for the input today.

 

[charlotte-and-the-bees]

Sorry for the gross poop pic! But stool today - seeing intestinal shed. Looks like less liquid, but concerned about the yellow/possible yolk. She's been on Clavamox since Wed evening.