I have a older hen which is walking around kind of hunched down, tail pointing down. I examined her and her abdomen seems to be full of fluid. I examined her vent and see no egg. She is eating but not with her usual gusto. I gave her a warm bath but nothing happened although she seemed to like it. Any help is appreciated.
hen needs help. eggbound?
I know several people have had success helping their hens with warm sitz-baths. Can you explore the vent with a greased finger to feel for an egg?
I did soak her in a warm bath for about 20 minutes. I also stuck my finger in a little ways but I'm not sure what to feel for and was afraid of hurting her. I didn't feel an egg but not sure if I was in far enough.
She is the same this morning. She is eating.
Pestee42, if you lubricate the small finger you should be able to go in far enough to feel if there is an egg in there. Just be aware that there are also other internal conditions that could be a problem. If you should find there is an egg see if you can break it and gently using your finger withdraw any chards that are inside. It's a painstaking undertaking but it can be done. I used vicks the one time I had to do it as the chards will stick to the heavy vicks better than more liquid lubricants...Good luck to you...Haystack
I think I'd use petroleum jelly (plain vaseline) rather than Vicks, wouldn't Vicks sting?
I ended up finding a vet that would see her. She said it was a broken egg and she removed a quart of fluid and gave me some antibiotics to give her. She is home now and getting around normally and eating.
Thanks everybody for all your help.
Now I just have to keep an eye on her to make sure it doesn't re-fill with more fluid as she heals inside.
The vet also said she probably wont lay any more eggs but that's OK. I just want her to be comfortable and live out her life.
I'm very happy to hear this, Please tell her I wish her well....:)
Thank you, I will!
So glad you found out what it was and you have a vet that will take care of chickens
I'm happy to hear your gal was taken care of. Yes, you are SOOO lucky to have a vet that will treat chickens. In this area we're on our own.
Thanks!
I had to drive about 30 miles but I'm glad to find a good vet for them too. She said she has had three egg bound chickens so far this spring.