Prolapsed vent + pasty butt = now what?

[Diamond Girl]

Greeting to all chicken lovers! I am a new forum member, and also new to raising chickens. I have a 20 week old Wyandott hen, and 4 days ago she had an egg hanging outside of her vent and it was surrounded by a thin pink membrane. I was able to release the egg, and I cleaned her up and applied bag balm and Prep H and gently pushed her prolapsed vent back in. Now 3 days later, she has "pasty butt". At least I think that is what it is!! It is a thick layer of white/grey caked stuff. I tried soaking it off with warm water, but to no avail. She is so patient and tolerant! At this point, all I could think of was to apply more bag balm and wait and see. She is looking healthy and mixing well with the other hens, so I don't think she has infection. There is no odor or any other signs of infection. So my question to all you experts: could this be something different, or am I on the right track? I appreciate any and all help . . . this is such a great blog!

 

[turtlebird]

I am not sure I can be of much help here, but have you thought of pulling her out and isolating her in a darker place? Maybe you can slow down her laying so the inflammation/irritation can heal before having to lay another egg? Gosh, I hope she pulls through this. Maybe someone else with experience will chime in. Good luck, and.....

 

[MotherJean]

Your Wyandotte is young - just started laying, right? It's fairly normal for new layers to have a few bad eggs right at the beginning. I am, however, curious about the "pasty butt" that won't soak off. Do you know what lice eggs look like? There's photos here at this link: http://ucanr.org/freepubs/docs/8162.pdf Chicken manure will generally come off with enough soaking, warm water, and soap (like Dawn dish soap). If this "white/gray caked stuff" is stuck like glue, it may be lice egg clusters. You'll need to follow the directions for treatment at that link. If you don't think that's the problem, it would be helpful if you'd post a photo.

 

[Diamond Girl]

THANKS Turtle Bird and Mother Jean.
I will try a little more soaking time today. I looked at the pictures of insect eggs from the link you sent me, and what I am seeing is a more caked appearance, and it has been slowly dissolving when I soak it in warm water. Would it be safe to put Epsom salts in the water? From other internet readings I have learned that once a chicken develops problems with egg formation and/or prolapsed vent that is usually doesn't resolve with time. Anyone know a good product recommendation for giving her antibiotics to prevent infection? I am worried about this turning into an infection, and I sure don't want the rest of my chick family to get sick.

 

[MotherJean]

Given the age of your hen, it's really quite normal to see teeny tiny eggs, soft-shell eggs, and even gigantic eggs when they first start laying. I wouldn't be concerned unless this sort of thing becomes routine. If you're not feeding a "layer" formulation of feed AND providing oyster shell for additional calcium, you should start both without delay. Don't allow any younger birds in your flock to eat the layer feed - the added calcium is not good for them. Honey and sugar are better choices to reduce the swelling of the prolapse, should that happen again. Bag balm is a bit harsh for those membranes. As to antibiotics, you could give her a few days of any broad spectrum drug like Tylan. Do keep in mind, however, that you should probably toss any eggs for 14 days.