Should we suppress laying in this Orpie?

[ASimon]

I have a Buff Orpington that is going through her second (possibly third) round of being what I'd guess is egg bound. We give warm baths, ky jelly treatments and antibiotics after she passes a yolk and we find white, soft eggshell lining hanging from her cloaca.

She is on the porch with me right now just standing there with her head down and her eyes half closed. Poor Gilly, meds are on the way!! If she survives, I'm wondering if we should suppress laying (I think there is a drug people give their pet birds that keeps them from laying??) Has anyone done this? Are Orpingtons more susceptible to this than other breeds?

I have started giving them a little yogurt in their feed. What should I do? My farm friends and family are making fun of me for paying so much attention to a chicken. Sigh

 

[Dartanion]

Believe me I haven't heard the end of when I freaked out when my hen got hurt during breeding.I have stopped one of my hens from laying with drugs and she was never the same.It's like stopping a bird from flying,sure you can clip there wings but are they as happy?In my experience no,but other might not feel the same.Keep me posted about your hen and don't let people get to you.

 

[ASimon]

That is great advice - thank you for the feedback! I never thought of it that way - that not laying would make her unhappy. We only have 4 chickens after losing two of our originals (one to the same issue and another from feeding something we should not have (suet). Feeling so badly for my little gal! I can't wait til my husband gets home with the antibiotic. I am not a big believer in drugs (we feed organic) but I do not want her to sit here and suffer. Fingers crossed!

 

[Dartanion]

Is she eating and drinking?

 

[ASimon]

A little, yes. That is making us feel much better. I mixed a little yogurt in with her feed. She seems to really like it.

 

[Dartanion]

I'm not telling you what to do but I would mix some 9 Lives hard cat food in with her food.Just a handful for 3-5 days,it will give her protein.You use your best judge though.

 

[ASimon]

Do you think yogurt would do the same thing? I will look at the protein content in the yogurt. I appreciate any and all suggestions!

 

[Dartanion]

It could but there more of a chance of her getting a clogged vent,which can make her dehydrate.You do what you think is best.I can suggest options but when it comes down to it it's your hen.I hope she gets better.

 

[ASimon]

How do I know if she has a clogged vent? I did do the old gloved finger / ky check to check for an egg. Didn't feel anything. She is pooping, but it is very runny.

 

[poodlechicks]

How are your supplementing calcium in their diet? Sometimes, recurring egg binding can be a consequence of not enough calcium.