Sick Chicken- Can’t walk, Swollen

[llopez28]

Hi,
I have an Easter egger and today I noticed she was keeping to herself, she’s usually the most energetic of the flock. She could barely walk and upon closer inspection she was very swollen under. We cleaned the area but I’m not sure what to do. I’m reading it could be that she is egg bound or peritonitis, I’m wondering if anyone can share any tips if this is something that can be cured at home. My other hens are healthy and are laying eggs regularly.

 

[SmiYa0126]

Do you have a calcium citrate tablet you can give her? Also, you can do an Epsom salt bath, both will help to pass the egg that maybe stuck.

How's her breathing?

Do you have any antibiotics at home?

 

[llopez28]

Do you have a calcium citrate tablet you can give her? Also, you can do an Epsom salt bath, both will help to pass the egg that maybe stuck.

How's her breathing?

Do you have any antibiotics at home?

Her breathing is normal, and I just gave her amoxicillin, I also have doxycycline. Do you think she’s egg bound? I’ll give her a salt bath.

 

[SmiYa0126]

An Epsom salt bath could definitely help. Need to bring the swelling down so she doesn't prolapse when she lays the egg.

What has also worked for me when my girl gets egg bound is to hold her in my arms and take a little walk. I hold her as of I'm hugging her with one arm around my waist with her wing free to flap if she wants to. I gently pull up the feathers a couple of times during the walk so that her vent starts to flutter.

 

[coach723]

You can check for a stuck egg by inserting a gloved finger about 2" into her vent. If you don't feel an egg then likely that is not it. Also, if she's pooping, then she's not egg bound. How old is she? Do you know when she last laid? What do her droppings look like? Reproductive problems like various cancers and infections are not uncommon in birds over the age of two. The swelling in the abdomen could be from ascites, that is fluid build up from a liver that is overtaxed. That happens with various cancers, infections, organ failure. The abdomen will feel waterballoon like. If the abdomen is very firm then it could be infectious material from internal laying, EYP or salpingitis. Symptoms can be very similar with many of the conditions, sometimes you don't know for sure until the bird passes and a necropsy is done.

 

[SmiYa0126]

How is she doing today?

 

[llopez28]

We did epsom salt baths, it helped with the swelling slightly,but we noticed she didn’t poop today and she just expelled this. It doesn’t really look like a lash egg.

 

[SmiYa0126]

Looks like a good poo! How is she eating/drinking?

 

[llopez28]

Looks like a good poo! How is she eating/drinking?

She’s drinking and eating somewhat normal

 

[SmiYa0126]

Were you able to give her calcium citrate today?