WHAT IS THIS?

[hollandhens24]

I’ve had chickens for two years now and have been so fortunate not to have any illnesses or injuries thus far. I noticed my black Australorp sitting in the nesting box late in the evening and expected an egg the next morning. No egg, but she was back in the box the following day, never leaving it. I went to check on her that evening and she was on the roosting bar while the rest of the flock free ranged and I got her down to try and inspect her. I noted it looked like she had diarrhea, a floppy comb, and walked slowly. She wasn’t interested in food or anything, even treats. I immediately began an internet search for answers and wondered if it could be worms… as I was searching I saw this come out of her and I have no clue what this is. I’m assuming it has to do with her sudden presenting of illness and am hoping that she improves. Does anyone know what this is? Any insight for future prevention, causes, treatment, etc?

 

[hammyanne]

Oh my! I’m sorry your hen isn’t feeling well I’ve certainly never seen anything like that, but I was reading about lash eggs last night. Could that be it? Someone with more knowledge than me, please weigh in!

Wishing you the best of luck getting to the bottom of this

 

[BigBlueHen53]

@Eggcessive
@azygous
@Wyorp Rock

Lash material?

 

[coach723]

Do you still have that? Can you cut it open, and crosswise, so we can see what's inside?
It's either lash material, or a badly malformed egg, seeing inside it, what it's made of, might answer that. If it's lash material, it's caused by salpingitis, which is infection or inflammation of the oviduct. If it's a malformed egg, then hopefully just a glitch. I'm leaning towards lash material, however. Salpingitis, if that's what it is, is notoriously resistant to treatment.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

It almost looks like there's a worm inside it, that little white thing about halfway up. Poor hen! No wonder she didn't feel good.

 

[Eggcessive]

It looks like a thickened egg membrane, but it could be partly lash material.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

Thanks for sharing. Glad I clicked on the thread. That's interesting to say the least. I always like to see what is diagnosed elsewhere in case something similar pops up here, so I'm not as perplexed. As Spock would always say.. "fascinating captain".

 

[hollandhens24]

Do you still have that? Can you cut it open, and crosswise, so we can see what's inside?
It's either lash material, or a badly malformed egg, seeing inside it, what it's made of, might answer that. If it's lash material, it's caused by salpingitis, which is infection or inflammation of the oviduct. If it's a malformed egg, then hopefully just a glitch. I'm leaning towards lash material, however. Salpingitis, if that's what it is, is notoriously resistant to treatment.

Thank you for the information and I apologize for the delayed response. This took place just an hour before I was set to head out of town and a friend was coming to care for my hens. Definitely not the circumstances one hopes to leave their hen under. I have just gotten home and she is completely back to normal, though I cannot attest to whether she is laying normally or not, as I haven't been home to gather eggs. My friend who was watching the flock said that she is great, though she cannot distinguish my hen's eggs from each other. After reading about lash eggs, I am inclined to believe that is most likely what this was and will monitor, as she seems completely happy and busy as ever today.