Rhode Island Red illness

[FranY]

Hi all! I have a 1 1/2 year old Rhode Island Red named Roxie. Since she began laying, she has been a great layer. This week I noticed that she had a soft shell egg. Since then, she has not laid an egg. At first I thought she may have pasty vent. Yesterday I noticed a hard spot on her back and thought she may be egg bound. After two Epsom salt soaks and trying to feel for the egg, I was never able to feel an egg in her. Each time I check her vent it begins to move. I'm not sure if that's what they all do though. She is still eating and drinking, but she is also lethargic and not acting normal. Any suggestions of what it may be or what I can do?

 

[Eggcessive]

Here is some info on internal laying: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/220677/egg-binding-and-calcium Hopefully she is not egg bound since that usually becomes chronic and they can die from it. Could she have another issue such as the heat getting to her, coccidiosis, or eating moldy feed? If she is egg bound, I think feeding her a good layer feed and offering extra calcium as in crushed egg shells or oyster sell is about all you can do.

 

[FranY]

Thank you for the link. I will have a look though it. It has been very warm in TN this week. My biggest concern was the hard area on her back that I was thinking was an egg. From her droppings, I don't think it's coccidiosis. I will try to up her calcium to see if it helps. Thanks again!

 

[Eggcessive]

Just keep in mind that bloody poop comes very late in coccidiosis, and sometimes not at all. I think typically that you could feel a stuck egg under her vent on the belly. Also, they sometimes walk with their legs spread apart when egg bound. Let us know what happens.

 

[FranY]

Just an update on this. As far as I can tell, Roxie had a very severe roundworm problem. I have treated all five of my girls for worms & am hoping that is Roxie's only problem!