Possible egg-bound chicken. . .tips?

**NicJean** · 09-21-2011, 08:54 AM

Aargh, not what we need today, but one of my ladies was squatting and straining this morning. So, we picked her up, gently, massaged her vent and liberally applied vaseline, and set her into the nest box. I didn't really notice she was swollen, just had her tail down (that NEVER happens). My ladies are a bit older - 2 years. Fred(rika) was eating beet greens this morning, and some greens that grow outside the pen. She wasn't breathing fast, or panting. Ideas?

**nodmicks** · 09-21-2011, 10:45 AM

I've never had to do it with a chicken but I did many times as one of my ancient ducks repeatedly got egg bound. I put her in a tub of warm water. The heat helped everything relax and after a few minutes the egg slipped out. I have no clue if chickens like water though! Good luck!

**NicJean** · 09-22-2011, 08:26 PM

Fred did lay an egg last evening, although still acted constipated- but perkier, this morning. Hoping for the best.

**nodmicks** · 09-22-2011, 10:00 PM

LOL Fred??? LOL I'm glad she seemed perkier! Hope all is well!

**valerian** · 09-23-2011, 08:10 PM

Poor little chicky! I've heard that a tub of warm water works well also. We suspected one of our chickens had this recently, but she never got better and eventually died. My dh checked her while she was sick and couldn't feel an egg though. She did really enjoy her warm bath eventhough it was summer. I was glad that we gave her some comfort before she died...poor baby!

**NicJean** · 09-26-2011, 10:32 PM

Unfortunately, Fred passed on this afternoon. She came to enjoy her one on one massage times, not sure what the deal was. . . other ladies seem just fine.