Prolapsed hen

[VickieB57]

This morning I noticed an egg hanging from one of my hens. I thought she was in the process of laying it, but she never did. It just hung on her. I went to take a closer look and noticed blood on the egg, so I took her from the cage and into the kitchen to see what was going on. I realized she was prolapsed and I tried to carefully push the tissue back over the egg. There wasn't any way I could do that, the egg was just too large. Enough of the egg was passed through that I could use my quail egg scissors and cut the bottom of the egg and carefully emptied it (my daughter was helping me) and then I was able to pull the egg shell through. I was careful to make sure none of the raw egg touched her. Afterwards I put a topical antibiotic on the prolapsed tissue.

What is the proper procedure when something like this happens? I had no idea what to do. I have put her in a cage by herself until she is healed. I did not try to push the tissue back in. Should I have? We were hoping it would pull back in on its own.

 

[GrandmaBird]

If the prolapse is slight you can press it back in, be sure you wash your hands well in a antibacterial soap before and after handling the hen. Then, using a bit of olive oil on your fingers, apply gentle pressure on the prolapse pressing it back into the vent. sometimes a bit of hemorrhoid cream will help to shrink it. If it is serious take her to a vet asap. be sure she is in a clean cage with NO shavings as they might stick to the vent area. keep her alone for a week or even two get a chance to heal and rebuild her strength. good luck and keep us posted.

 

[VickieB57]

She seemed to be doing well by the evening. Yesterday morning she was also doing great. I had to go on a trip, and didn't get back till after mid-night last night and found her in the same shape as the morning before. I decided to cull her.

 

[GrandmaBird]

Probably the best for her. sorry for your loss.