Yeast Infection?

[Chickens_and_Cats]

Hi

We had a chicken who laid some bloody eggs and then was properly eggbound (about 3 weeks ago) we assisted her laying the (huge) egg after a warm bath. Have isolated her and reduced light levels (to prevent her laying again). She is passing waste but is making hard work of it. Her vent area has a white covering, some seems like urates but her feathers are wet.

Her diet is layers pellets and she has grit. Water has ACV added. We've also tried epsom salts as a solution (2 treatments in one day) and are currently trying bio yoghurt with an avian pro/pre biotic twice a day. We've been washing her daily. She seems bright in herself.

Just wondered what others thought, is it possible she's damaged herself with the huge egg and is going to have this chronically? Not sure what to try next. Any advice gratefully received.

Thanks
Paul

 

[coach723]

Can you post some pictures of the bird and the vent and droppings? Does she have access to oyster shell for calcium also? There is some calcium in layer feed, but the needs of individual birds can vary. I would have some available all the time in a separate feeder also so those that need it can take it. Have you checked to see if she may be trying to pass another egg again?

 

[Chickens_and_Cats]

Can you post some pictures of the bird and the vent and droppings? Does she have access to oyster shell for calcium also? There is some calcium in layer feed, but the needs of individual birds can vary. I would have some available all the time in a separate feeder also so those that need it can take it. Have you checked to see if she may be trying to pass another egg again?

Thanks coach723. Yes she has access to separate grit/oyster shell. We’ll take some photos and post them later. Pretty sure she is not trying to pass an egg, she is bright and alert and seems happy in herself and isn’t straining. Thanks for your help.

 

[Chickens_and_Cats]

Can you post some pictures of the bird and the vent and droppings? Does she have access to oyster shell for calcium also? There is some calcium in layer feed, but the needs of individual birds can vary. I would have some available all the time in a separate feeder also so those that need it can take it. Have you checked to see if she may be trying to pass another egg again?

Hello, here are the pictures- she seems to try and peck and clean the affected area which may not be helping,
Thanks

 

[Chickens_and_Cats]

Note, droppings definitely thin in size no large droppings at all.

 

[coach723]

It does appear it may be vent gleet. Her abdomen looks a bit swollen also. That can be fungal or bacterial. Is vet care an option for you? They could test the discharge and recommend the best medication. For fungal often nystatin is used, that would have to come from a vet. Metronidazole is sometimes prescribed at 100mg/kg twice a day for 4 days. You can get that without prescription as a fish antibiotic (fish zole) on line. You can also use over the counter anti fungal ointments (athletes foot or monistat) to treat the vent area, along with continuing the probiotics. I tend to go with the pharmaceuticals when things reach this point, but many wish to try to treat without them. If you choose to try without them then recovery may take much longer, or it may get worse and you may end up there anyway. Up to you.
Some links with more info.
http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/vent-gleet
https://www.tillysnest.com/2012/12/vent-gleet-prevention-and-treatment-html/
https://thefrugalchicken.com/vent-gleet-identifying-treating/

 

[Chickens_and_Cats]

Thank you so much coach723 that is very helpful indeed. Very much appreciated - we will continue with the probiotic and try your suggestions. Although vet care may not be an option for us we will certainly try the pharmaceuticals as we don’t want this to be a chronic situation for her and we do very much care for our birds.
Thank you again so much for your prompt help. We will post again to let you know how we get on.
Best wishes Paul