so my chicken is constipated

[clovds_thunder997]

So first issue my chicken hasnt pooped in days, ive been noticing her tail has been droppy and she walked funny. I suppose she is not egg bound because she has been laying eggs regularly. But ive been massaging her stomach area and soaking her butt in warm water. I also read from a article that giving them oil orally also helps loose it up. So i did all of that yesterday. She is still lively, not lethargic. This morning she pooped and it was huge, but i think she may still have some poop in her system. Many people have been saying that an enema kit with olive oil helps so im wondering if you guys agree with that or have any other simple advice.

btw i feed her a mixture of oats, rice and some bit of chicken 17% protein feed.

 

[Starburst]

Hmm, this is very strange...do you feed her grit as well? Does she eat more rice and oats than she does eat feed? Is it possible you could post a picture of her and the poop? Also, if you could feel her crop right when she's going to bed, and in the morning before she eats anything, that would greatly help.
I'm sorry that your bird doesn't seem to be doing well, lots of hugs to you and your chicken!

 

[clovds_thunder997]

Hmm, this is very strange...do you feed her grit as well? Does she eat more rice and oats than she does eat feed? Is it possible you could post a picture of her and the poop? Also, if you could feel her crop right when she's going to bed, and in the morning before she eats anything, that would greatly help.
I'm sorry that your bird doesn't seem to be doing well, lots of hugs to you and your chicken!

Well i dont feed her grit and she does eat equally amounts of each oats, rice and feed. Also about the poop i threw it away since my sisters dogs eat it (ik ew). It wasnt hard poop thats for sure. But thank u so much

 

[Aapomp831]

Well i dont feed her grit and she does eat equally amounts of each oats, rice and feed. Also about the poop i threw it away since my sisters dogs eat it (ik ew). It wasnt hard poop thats for sure. But thank u so much

I don’t think it’s a good idea to feed chickens a consistent diet of oats and rice.... I would stick to their regular feed only and give oats and rice as a very occasional treat.

 

[CNJ]

Fermented feed may help with digestion.

 

[Dephora]

You don't feed her grit? Does she free range outside so she can get the rocks she needs to help break up the food in her crop? What does her crop feel like? Is it empty in the morning?

 

[clovds_thunder997]

You don't feed her grit? Does she free range outside so she can get the rocks she needs to help break up the food in her crop? What does her crop feel like? Is it empty in the morning?

Yes she does free range and we have small rocks around here, i havent felt her crop in the morning though

 

[Dephora]

Yes she does free range and we have small rocks around here, i havent felt her crop in the morning though

First thing in the morning, before they eat. The crop should be flat and empty. Otherwise, she isn't broody is she? You say she isn't acting sick, is she sitting in the nest box all day and night? That could explain the large poop.

Edit: I would also cut out the oats and rice, it is just filler that brings down the protein level of her pellet/crumble. If you want to give it as a treat no more than 2 tablespoons per chicken a day. So if you have 8 chickens that would be a max of a cup a day of oats and rice, and no more.

 

[dawg53]

Try giving your hen applesauce, it acts as a mild laxative in chickens. If that doesnt work, here's a link for you. Scroll down to LAXATIVE SOLUTIONS:
http://extension.msstate.edu/content/solutions-and-treatments

 

[clovds_thunder997]

Thanks for the advice guys, also my chicken is no longer constipated. She is pooping regularly again. She is acting normal too so thats good