Squatting screaming chicken

[Katie1112]

My Sussex hen is just a year old. For probably 5 days now she has been squatting down and straining while making a horrible scream. She sounds like she is in pain. An exam showed us that she is not egg bound. And if she was I’m assuming she would have died by now. Her comb looks good and she eats and drinks some. I’ve given her antibiotics, coconut oil, worms, everything I can think of. No other chicken in the coop acts sick and she was vaccinated as a baby. She is pooping some and her vent is not pastey. It does look maybe a little irritated. Her poop isn’t solid at all though. I just don’t want her to be in pain. Any thoughts?

 

[Three Musketeers]

Hi! I won't be of much help as I haven't experienced this.

Are her feathers fluffed up and does she have some swelling in the vent area? When you say she's ''squatting down'' do you mean as in a penguin stance; this may also be an indication of peritonitis (which may be confounded with an egg-bound hen) or a swollen abdomen. Also how is her crop in general?

Best of luck and hoping someone will be of help.

 

[Katie1112]

Hi! I won't be of much help as I haven't experienced this.

Are her feathers fluffed up and does she have some swelling in the vent area? When you say she's ''squatting down'' do you mean as in a penguin stance; this may also be an indication of peritonitis (which may be confounded with an egg-bound hen) or a swollen abdomen. Also how is her crop in general?

Best of luck and hoping someone will be of help.

Her crop feels pretty good. And squatting not so much like a penguin but like she’s trying to poop but can’t then while squatting she screams bloody murder. She’s definitely all fluffed up and sick acting. There maybe just a little bit of swelling but nothing to crazy.

 

[Three Musketeers]

Her crop feels pretty good. And squatting not so much like a penguin but like she’s trying to poop but can’t then while squatting she screams bloody murder. She’s definitely all fluffed up and sick acting. There maybe just a little bit of swelling but nothing to crazy.

The only things I can think of would be Coccidiosis, Vent Gleet or perhaps Egg Yolk Peritonitis. However, I would think that your vet would have noticed Egg Yolk Peritonitis upon physical examination possibly (regarding the coelom).

Some symptoms of coccidiosis include weight loss, ruffled feathers, depression, huddling/droopy posture, and watery or bloody diarrhea (is there any mucus or blood in the stool?).

Straining to defecate and postural changes are also symptoms of vent gleet. In early stages of Vent Gleet poultry still eat, which would explain why your chicken is still eating. A yellowish-white discharge from the vent area and bit of bloating regarding the abdomens are other symptoms of vent gleet. Perhaps this seems like the most probable cause.

Some links for Coccidiosis:

1. http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/coccidiosis
2. https://the-chicken-chick.com/coccidiosis-what-backyard-chicken/

Link for Vent Gleet:

1. https://www.birdhealth.com.au/vent-gleet

 

[Katie1112]

Here is a picture of her vent

 

[Katie1112]

Thank you so much for your help! I’m so desperate at this point and feeling so bad for her

 

[Three Musketeers]

I completely understand your concern. It looks like vent gleet from my perspective (however I have not experienced this), I hope someone will be able to add in their perspective. As mentioned the chicken is straining to defecate, watery droppings, some soiled feathers and there is clear inflammation of the vent area. Is there any way you can start treating your chicken for vent gleet or see the vet regarding this?

I hope this post can help you out more: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/vent-gleet-aka-nasty-chicken-butt.64647/.

Iodine-based antiseptic (Betadine) near the cloaca area may also be utilized (used 3-4 days, as needed). Metronidazole is also used in some cases.

Hoping for a speedy recovery!

 

[Katie1112]

I completely understand your concern. It looks like vent gleet from my perspective (however I have not experienced this), I hope someone will be able to add in their perspective. As mentioned the chicken is straining to defecate, watery droppings, some soiled feathers and there is clear inflammation of the vent area. Is there any way you can start treating your chicken for vent gleet or see the vet regarding this?

I hope this post can help you out more: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/vent-gleet-aka-nasty-chicken-butt.64647/.

Iodine-based antiseptic (Betadine) near the cloaca area may also be utilized (used 3-4 days, as needed). Metronidazole is also used in some cases.

Hoping for a speedy recovery!

She actually passed away last night. Thank you though. Next time I will know to keep a closer look for this. I have never seen it before.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. Did you ever see any eveidence of vent pecking or abnormally large eggs which could have damaged her vent? If you are in the US, you can keep her body refrigerated in a cooler and send or take it to your state vet to get a necropsy. She could have had cancer or some other reason for her death. Here is a link to most state vets to contact:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

 

[Three Musketeers]

She actually passed away last night. Thank you though. Next time I will know to keep a closer look for this. I have never seen it before.

My condolences for your loss; I'm sorry I couldn't be of much help. You did the absolute best you could with great care . There are many diseases affecting chicken it is practically impossible to recognize all of them.

Best wishes and may she rest in peace.