Swollen breasts, feathers sticking out, hard roundness, one dead hen already, help?

[kristenm1975]

Several of my hens have a small hard swelling on their breasts, so much so that their feathers are sticking out away from their bodies. When I felt the lump on one, it was like she had swallowed a rock.

The feed store gave me the wrong thing when I went in last, sawdust instead of shavings and like an idiot I used them. I think the girls are maybe eating the stuff and getting impacted.

I lost one Saturday and I'm very much afraid these will die too. Please tell me what I need to do for them. I'm moving and all my chicken books are packed away god knows where.

Thank you so much for any help!

 

[weezilgirl]

I really cannot give you any advice as I'm fairly new to having backyard chickens. But I didn't want you to be alone here, worrying and upset.

I lost Thelma recently and I think it was old age. I pulled her back from the brink three times and I believe she just gave out. She was my favorite as she patrolled the yard and garden and kept everyone in line. I mean everyone. Dogs, cats, etc. She was very funny and kept me laughing when I was out with the girls.

How many hens do you have? And what kind?

I'll check back here in awhile and see how you are doing. We'll hope for an answer soon.
Pat

 

[weezilgirl]

How are things?

Sorry I didn't realize that your hens were listed at the bottom of your post. As I said, I'm fairly new to BYC and having my hens.

 

[daoustaj]

I would remove the sawdust and when mine got blocked up i gave them water with electrolyes and gave them a small amount of chick mash and restricted feed all afternoon, giving them only the electolyte water. The that evening and next day i gave them the chick mash and drizzled a little bit of olive oil in it.then gave them normal foods.

 

[kristenm1975]

Thanks so much for the replies and concern for my girls! I checked them at 7pm last night and the swelling was pronounced. When I went back at nine to dose them with warm olive oil and massage their crops, they were looking less swollen but only marginally.

I am going to remove all the sawdust tonight and administer the olive oil and massage again and hopefully nip this in the bud. I am not able to remove food from the afflicted hens because I don't have any separate place to put them and the feeder is built into the coop and cannot be emptied except in the usual way, hens eating.

I've added apple cider vinegar with the mother to their water and can add some electrolyte mixes too. Maybe something like the Emergen-C for people or Nuun?

Thanks for all the tips!

 

[weezilgirl]

I am so pleased to hear your good news. I worried about you last night. Glad to hear things are better.
I've given EmergC? to my dogs. I don't think it could hurt.
Good luck with the girls!! Pat