Trouble laying egg?

[M Brennen]

I have a young buff that wouldn’t stand up this morning. She is just about 6 months old. I’m not sure if she has laid an egg yet. I have 39 young layers and get about 20 eggs a day. Could she be having trouble laying her first egg? She won’t stand, seems to flop from side to side and now she is sitting panting and her back end is going up and down at times. I have her in her own little box in the house for the time being. Is there anything else I can do for her?

 

[Anne02]

It is possible that she may be egg bound. To check, wrap her up in a towel, so she doesn't fight you. Put on a glove and put a small amount of Vaseline on it and check her vent for an egg. Yeah, it's gross, but it will help you determine if she is egg bound. If you do feel an egg do an Epsom salt bath till she passes it.

 

[M Brennen]

It is possible that she may be egg bound. To check, wrap her up in a towel, so she doesn't fight you. Put on a glove and put a small amount of Vaseline on it and check her vent for an egg. Yeah, it's gross, but it will help you determine if she is egg bound. If you do feel an egg do an Epsom salt bath till she passes it.

I did feel an egg. What is an epsom salt bath and how do you bathe a chicken?

 

[Anne02]

Take a tub of warm water. Not hot, not cold, but warm and nice to the touch. Gently ease her in, and let her relax. It sounds crazy, but most chickens actually relax and even fall asleep in it. If you have Epsom salts, use them in the water. If not, just relaxing in the warm water may let the egg slip out. Once it comes out, get her out and gently dry her off with a towel. If it doesn't come out right away, then try again once she's dried off. I have to go to church, so I won't be on for a couple of hours. Good luck!

 

[MysteryChicken]

You can also give her extra boost of calcium with giving her a Calcium supplement. Calcium Citrate works fastest.

 

[M Brennen]

Is there a chance she may pass it without intervention?

 

[MysteryChicken]

Is there a chance she may pass it without intervention?

Not really, without the possibility of a prolapse.

 

[M Brennen]

Well I left her in the dark for a little while, no egg just poop. Then I have tried the epsom salt bath, no luck. I have tried getting some calcium into her. She is eating, not drinking much.

 

[M Brennen]

She laid an egg, but she is still having trouble standing and walking. She is leaning to one side.

 

[Anne02]

It's good that the egg is out. That's a step in the right direction. She may just be resting. Keep an eye on her.