HELP! SICK HEN

She has what looks like her insides coming out of her rearend. What could this be and is there anything I can do about it. I noticed her being cranky and she is normally so sweet. I am soooo worried, please help.

Sounds like she has prolapsed laying an egg. Clean off what you can see and gently push it back in. Keep her quiet and away from other chickens until she seems okay. It may happen again.

I am sure others have more advice.

Thanks Catscan, I checked backyard chickens and they had some good advice. I have moved her into her own pen. They said a warm water bath and honey would really help. I'm going to give it a try.

good luck... i have no knowedge to share, but feel for your girl..I have found BYC to be quite helpful at times, less personable - but helpful
joe

Thanks Joe!

Good advice: the honey will boost her energy and help the healing proccess, and the warm water will help her relax and get more comfortable so she can heal faster. Catscan is right on and after putting her insides back inside if you can get her to be totally inactive it should help her a lot and chances are she will be alright. Good luck. Hay.

I agree with Catscan too. The only thing I would add is that once a hen has prolapsed, she is probably prone to having it happen again, so be prepared for that. With sheep and goats they make this thing you can use to keep their insides in, but I haven't seen it for chickens.

Sorry about your hen. Is the honey to drink or do you put it in the bath?

Would keeping her in the dark help her not to lay another egg for a while and give her insides a chance to rest up?