Lash Egg

[KMurphyVT]

Hello,
I have 8 hens that are 3 years old. I found a lash egg in my nest box today. I clean my coop daily, they eat layer pellets, have access to fresh water, and either free range or are in a large pen. I don’t know which chicken it was. They all seem to be acting normal. Any suggestions?

 

[Eggcessive]

Yes, lash egg material is due to salpingitis, inflammation of the oviduct. The lash material may be laid internally, or sometimes can be passed out through the reproductive tract. Antibiotics such as amoxicillin (Aqua Mox) or enrofloxacin may help early in the illness, to help extend the life. Are their crops emptying overnight? Are they all eating and drinking normally? What do their poops look like?

 

[KMurphyVT]

Mostly their poop looks normal. I did find some watery poop today. I’m not sure about their crops. Would I treat the whole flock if I can’t figure out which hen laid the egg? How do I get antibiotics for chickens?

 

[coach723]

It would be best to only treat the one that is sick. Feel all the abdomens, see if any of them seem bloated. Then some observation during the day and at roost time. I check at roosting time to see who is where, they often will habitually roost in the same place. If they deposit something under the roosts, that can help ID which one. They may only pass lash material occasionally, which can make it harder, and you might not be able to tell who until someone feels bloated. You can also try to monitor nest boxes to see who lays, most often birds with salpingitis stop laying eggs. If anyone looks off or slower, waddles or seems to have a widelegged stance, those are clues. As it progresses crop problems can occur also.
You can get amoxicillin as a fish antibiotic (aqua mox) on line without a prescription. You can get enrofloxacin online at pigeon suppliers ( https://jedds.com/products/enrofloxacin-10?_pos=1&_sid=67a6fd1d7&_ss=r )
More on salpingitis here:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/salpingitis-lash-eggs-in-backyard/

 

[KMurphyVT]

I just felt all their crops and they feel normal, but I’m not really sure what I’m looking for. They are all free ranging now and acting normal. Is it okay to still eat the other eggs?

 

[coach723]

Absolutely.