Prolapsed uterus

[ckfard]

I have a small flock of Buff Orpingtons. They are six months old. Two of the hens have just started producing eggs in the last week. Earlier this week one of them seemed to be having difficulty laying so I kept an eye on her. A few hours later I found her sitting away from the others with a bloody discharge. When I looked closer I could see all her female organs on the outside and what appeared to be a couple of eggs caught up inside. I had her put down as soon as I varified there was nothing I could do for her. She was fine before this. I have seven hens now and one Rooster Cogburn who was supposed to be a hen. How does a prolapsed uterus happen? Is there anything I can look for to avoid this with the other hens? Only one other hen is laying as far as I can tell. Also, Rooster Cogburn has to go. He is lovely and enjoys watching over his girls, but an intolerant neighbor called the police yesterday and I was fined $50. I called a local farm animal rescue, but they have not returned my calls. I'm in St. Louis, Mo. Thank you for any ideas. Cynthia

 

[rooster-red]

Sounds like she was egg bound before she prolapsed if she still had eggs inside.

Prolapse is not an uncommon thing, usually you can rinse with a saline solution and push it back in, using a little preparation H to shrink the tissues.

 

[ckfard]

Thanks for the info. She was a mess and would have required surgery. You mentioned egg bound. Are the eggs caught up inside the uterus as with her and then all the straining causes the prolapse? Is there anything I can do if they become egg bound? Anyone in St. Louis need a good looking rooster?