Eggbound? Tried epsom baths, olive oil, massage... going on day 3...

[Muthaofchickens]

So I've had my sick chicken indoors for a few days now since I first noticed her walking around like a penguin. I've had this problem with other chickens before and usually a good soak in the washbin with epsom salts does the trick. So far she's had about 4 soaks each a half hour long with me gently massaging her abdomen. I've fed her olive oil and helped her wash it down with water that has a water soluble vitamin & electrolytes mix in it. I've given her yogurt with a capsule of probiotics in it, I've given her liquid calcium, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, fruits... I don't know what else to do and I can't take her to the vet until this coming payday on wednesday I feel like an awful chicken mama not being able to fully help as much as I wish I could... She seems to have a healthy appetite and going to the bathroom regularly, she just cannot walk very only waddling like a penguin.. any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.. Thank you.. -Mikala

 

[EggSighted4Life]

That doesn't sound like egg bound... Can you post a pic or short video using you tube or vimeo and linking here?

How old is she? when was the last time you saw an egg from her?

Bigger suspicion... *maybe* internal laying. The best thing for her to eat if she still has plenty appetite is JUST chicken feed.

 

[Muthaofchickens]

@EggSighted4Life Thanks so much for the speedy response. What can I do for her if she's laying internally? I'm not exactly sure how old she is as I have quite a large mix of 29 chickens from ages 5-1 and have taken in a lot of chickens from friends but she looks like an older hen. Also not sure when she last laid an egg but she hasn't laid since she's been inside.. Hopefully the video helps.. Thanks again. -Mikala

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Also not sure when she last laid an egg but she hasn't laid since she's been inside

Boy you aren't kidding, she looks terribly uncomfortable.

I would say have you stuck a finger in the vent to feel for an egg.. but if she is still passing feces it could be farther up still.

Nothing can be done for internal laying really. Sometimes life can be prolonged with antibiotics... but it is still fatal.

Not sure about water belly or ascites being a possibility and what the exact differences are.

@ChickenCanoe or @Eggcessive might be able to offer some more insight. Meanwhile you can look those things up and see if they look like what you are facing.

Not knowing her true history makes it a little more difficult. Sounds like you are doing all you can... hang in there!

A little questionnaire to help in case you consider euthanasia...
https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/sites/defau...ionAnimals/HonoringtheBond/HowDoIKnowWhen.pdf

 

[Smmarques1]

I am having a similar issue with my 1 1/2 year old sweadish flower hen. She used to lay on the regular but has not in about 7 months. She has been trying and trying to go to the bathroom, grunting a little but all I see coming out are small drops of liquid poo. I gave her a warm bath the other day and cleaned her back feathers well but she is still struggling badly. Any ideas??

 

[Melky]

@EggSighted4Life Thanks so much for the speedy response. What can I do for her if she's laying internally? I'm not exactly sure how old she is as I have quite a large mix of 29 chickens from ages 5-1 and have taken in a lot of chickens from friends but she looks like an older hen. Also not sure when she last laid an egg but she hasn't laid since she's been inside.. Hopefully the video helps.. Thanks again. -Mikala

At this point it is considered emergency and need to see a vet immediately. She could have been egg bound and it developed into peritonitis. Could also be internal laying. Vet may need to drain fluid and also provide antibiotics if expect to live. Her condition should not be tolerated more than 2-3 days at home without seeing a vet. If it is an internal laying problem if clear this round and recovers may need hormone therapy or surgical approach (spay) to remove risk of internal laying again.
http://www.scoopfromthecoop.com/laying-issues-internal-layers-and-peritonitis/

 

[Muthaofchickens]

@EggSighted4Life
When I was giving her a bath I had tried sticking a finger in her vent but it felt super wrong I don't know what the heck I'm doing or what exactly I'm feeling for or how far to go.. thinking to myself is this even the right hole... do chickens have more than one hole?! ...nervous laughter... help.. haha
So it sounds like I should take her to the vet come pay day. I'll give those sites a look.. thanks so much!
-Mikala

 

[MissChick@dee]

Following & sayin’ prayers

 

[Melky]

I am having a similar issue with my 1 1/2 year old sweadish flower hen. She used to lay on the regular but has not in about 7 months. She has been trying and trying to go to the bathroom, grunting a little but all I see coming out are small drops of liquid poo. I gave her a warm bath the other day and cleaned her back feathers well but she is still struggling badly. Any ideas??

Egg binding is likely, to prevent peritonitis consider antibiotics. See article below for treatment. Continue warm baths as directed in article. If does not resolve in couple of days need to seek medical attention through a vet.
http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/egg-binding

 

[Muthaofchickens]

@Melky Thanks so much for the info I will get her to the vet as soon as I can which is wednesday when I get paid. At the moment I literally have no means to be able to do this for her I feel terrible about it but I'm doing all I can until then..