Help! EE walks like penguin, sits like an owl!

[Stynch]

My sister has a 2-1/2 yr old EE who has been going downhill the past few days. She waddles like a penguin, and when she sits, she looks more like an owl than a chicken. Walking is unstable, falls a lot (fell down the whole ramp today). She eats and drinks but stopped laying. She doesn't appear to be egg-bound - can't feel any egg buildup. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[chooks4life]

Most likely egg bound even if you can't feel an egg... Can you watch her for a bit and see if she pants and strains at all?

Another possibility is a break in the pelvic area, last time I saw a hen walking like that she did live for a few months but then died.

Best wishes.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would put on a rubber glove, and insert a finger into the vent 1-2 inches to examine for a stuck egg. It's also possible that she is suffering from internal laying, or egg yolk peritonitis. Waddling like a penguin is common, sitting a lot after walking a short distance. They usually are not laying, and may pass droppings that are loose or sometimes contain a cooked egg material. Here is some information to read about it: http://www.chickenvet.co.uk/health-and-common-diseases/egg-laying-issues/index.aspx
http://scoopfromthecoop.nutrenaworld.com/tag/laying-issues/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/526089/egg-yolk-peritonitis

 

[Stynch]

Thanks for the suggestions. She died yesterday, so at least she is no longer suffering.

 

[chooks4life]

Sorry for your loss.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss.