Prolapsed Vent

[7AcreFarm]

Please help. Ive been tending to my hens prolapse and have reached a standstill. The problem is that her vent is so soiled with hard crusted on poop and I can not remove it. I've tried warm baths, olive oil... I can not put the vent back in until it is clean. Any ideas on what to do next. She is healthy otherwise. Her comb is bright red, she walks and eats well too.

 

[Chickassan]

Have you tried any sort of mild soap when you bathe her? Dawn dishwashing liquid is the usual choice.

 

[upinrunnin2626]

I will be following this one. Dealing with same issue. We give her two warm soakings every day and that helps in removing any crusty areas.

 

[micstrachan]

How is your girl? Are you doing warm Epsom salt baths? I have also heard hemmorhoid (sp?) cream can help with inflamed prolapsed vent tissue, but don't know the details.

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Hello 7acrefarm,

The problem with chicken feed is that once it comes out as poop, if not cleaned quickly, it will dry like cement!

Soaking in epsom salt helps to remove most of it. However, there is always that one ball that just won't dissolve.

If it is attached to feathers, I - very, very, very carefully, use a pair of small pliers to crush the ball of poop. Then, soak off any remaining poo. It usually disintegrates into the water.

If the poop is attached to the vent tissue, that will complicate things. You may have to take the hen to a Vet for removal of the poop and repair of the prolapse. There is a possibility that the prolapse will need a suture or two anyways to prevent it from prolapsing again in the future.

Also, so important to keep the vent moist or lubricated to protect it. Or it will begin to become necrotic.

So sorry this happened...so distressing for you and the poor hen.
God Bless!