Prolapsed Hen, Advice Needed!

[NewChickOnTheRun]

New member to the site and inexperienced chicken owner here. A couple days ago I noticed my 6-year-old Australorp hen had what I’ve been told by my parents is a prolapsed vent. I haven’t been able to get any pictures (I’m terribly squeamish), but it roughly looks like a fleshy softball from what I’ve glimpsed when checking in on her.

Considering her age, I didn’t think she’d still be laying eggs, but she just started again for the season. (It’s been months since she’s laid eggs, so it was a real surprise finding the first one.)

I haven’t noticed any changes in her overall behavior. She’s still eating, drinking, and using the restroom just fine. She doesn’t look like she has any redness or infection on the exposed area, either.

So… Is there anything I can do in this situation? Will it eventually fix itself or am I dealing with a hen that’s living on borrowed time? I’ve never had this happen before, so I’m rather clueless… And scared.

(Sorry for the long post, just wanted to provide as much info as I can.)

 

[Eggcessive]

A prolapse occurs when they strain to lay an egg, and lash egg, or are contipated. A human calcium tablet with vitamin d may help with muscle contraction and to help her swollen prolapse go back inside and stay. Keep the prolapse tissue from drying out or it could die. A mild oil or ointment can be used on the prolapse inside and out, and you can try to push it back inside and hold it for a few minutes. Use honey which can decrease swelling, or vaseline, mineral, castor, olive oil, or hemorrhoid cream. Keep her separated because the others will peck and injure the vent. It can days or a week for it to go back in and stay. Here is a good article about prolapses:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/prolapse-vent-causes-treatment-graphic/

 

[NewChickOnTheRun]

Thank you for the advice.

Besides her just being an old hen, I have a hunch she might need more calcium. I always provide oyster grit, but I guess she hasn’t been getting enough of the stuff because it’s admittedly a little bit out of the way…

I’m afraid of attempting to push it back in myself because I don’t want to risk making it worse somehow, but I guess I’ll have to play doctor if it doesn’t fix itself within a few days.

I already have her isolated and I’ll be keeping a close eye on her.

 

[Eggcessive]

It should not hurt to try pushing it back in, and try holding for a few minutes. Use a disposable glove if you have one. Just don’t let the prolapse dry out, so use honey or oil, ointment, whatever you have. Let us know how she gets along.