When chicken poops red tissue is exposed but returns to normal

[lisamg11]

Delaware hen, 20 weeks old today. Has not yet laid first egg but is showing all of the signs of being ready. Eating and drinking fine. All feathers intact. No excrement left on vent. I just noticed while watching the chickens that when she has bowel movements red tissue is briefly exposed. Ive never had chickens before. Is this normal?

 

[Eggcessive]

Its part of her cloaca coming out, and as long as it goes back inside, there is no problem. Some hens do this due to looser tissue than normal. I had a couple of hens who were sisters who actually looked like they had a prolapsed vent whenever they would strain if I picked them up or they were laying an egg. A prolapse can happen from straining too hard laying a large egg, or if they become egg bound. The treatment when that happens is to lubricate the vent and push the red tissue back inside. Applying honey, sugar, or Preparation H to the prolapse will help to reduce swelling, so that it may then be pushed back inside. You shouldn't need to do anything to her, but be aware of this.

 

[lisamg11]

Thank you!