Chunky_Monkey Posted August 29, 2009 Share Posted August 29, 2009 Hi, One of my ex-batts has been in the nest box since 10AM today, and is still there! It hasn't happened before, should I be worried? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 29, 2009 Share Posted August 29, 2009 Does she get cross if you try to move her? Fluff herself up and grumble? If so, I'd say she was broody . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chunky_Monkey Posted August 29, 2009 Author Share Posted August 29, 2009 Thanks, I've just tried moving her and there were no protests from her, so I doubt she is broody. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chunky_Monkey Posted August 29, 2009 Author Share Posted August 29, 2009 She's been in the nest box for 7 hours now. She fluffs up slightly when I go and check on her. I've given her some food and water, which was gone in a few seconds, and she did wander out into the run for a minute and then went back in. I have noticed that she is sat hunched up, as well as her eyes closed a lot of the time. Could she be broody or is she ill? Edit: She also hasn't laid an egg since the 23rd of August, and she had been laying ever day before then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 29, 2009 Share Posted August 29, 2009 Hmm . Doesn't sound normal . I'd do a search on "egg bound" if I were you. I have no experience of it myself but you might find out what the signs are. She could also have a softie on the way but it still seems a long time to sit on the nest . I'm hoping someone more experienced than me will come along soon . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted August 29, 2009 Share Posted August 29, 2009 Sitting rather hunched with closed eyes doesn't sound too good TBH, although it is possible she's in early broody stage or trying to lay a soft egg - there are quite a few threads on that here; someone else will have to advise you on symptoms/treatment as I don't have experience of it I'm afraid. Broody hens go pancake-like and often grumble if you try to move them/have a peck at you (but not always). Sitting for 7 hours if she isn't broody isn't normal. What happens if you lift her off the nest? Can she stand/walk? If she walks like a penguin (ie waddles) it could be egg peritonitis (not good) I'd check her over for lice/mites. Has she been wormed? Whats her abdomen like? Normal? If squishy she might have egg peritonitis. If hard she might be egg bound (not brilliant obviously, but more treatable more permanently and you can try yourself). Its good she has eaten so I'd tempt her again, particularly with liquids (maybe via sloppy food). All in all I'd watch and wait. I hope I'm wrong and she's just having an off day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chunky_Monkey Posted August 29, 2009 Author Share Posted August 29, 2009 Hi, Thanks for all your replies. We can feel an egg below her vent, so we think she my be egg bound. We are now trying to bathe her in warm water. How deep should the water be? Does the bottom part of her body have to be in the water? At the moment she is standing in the water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted August 29, 2009 Share Posted August 29, 2009 OK - there is a very good note from Ms Tilytinkle (recently - this page or the previous one I think) - and I think she got her ideas from looking on here. I know the search function is a bit hopeless but do try some digging around; I'm sure you'll find a DIY guide. I'd tell you - but I took my girl to the vet, so that was jelly and a finger up the vent, followed by some relaxing injection and a finger up the vent! It is much the best news - this is fixable and the hen can go on to a perfectly normal life. Actually - if you can't find any answers, try a post in the clinic section. Maybe thats where I saw Ms T's post, can't remember. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted August 29, 2009 Share Posted August 29, 2009 It is in the clinic section, but though I think she was very brave if there is an egg there you might break it, causing more problems. Laying lashes can take days and is not always uncomplicated. Keep her drinking for staters, a softee can take all day and they need to drink loads more. grapes and any wet food is good. It is bedtime now so fingers crossed she will have shifted it herself by the morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chunky_Monkey Posted August 29, 2009 Author Share Posted August 29, 2009 Have now given her some yogurt, which didn't seem to interest her. She's been drinking a little as well. She now appears to be sleeping, but she is standing up and is still straining. We're keeping her indoors tonight, hopefully she'll be a bit warmer than outside! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chunky monkeys Mum Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Good morning Chunky monkey is still in bed so thought I would seek further wise advice from the forum. Ophelia looks a lot brighter this morning - but still no egg, which I was hoping she would produce overnight. She is still in the cat basket in our living room and I have given her breakfast of grapes and tomatoes coated in olive oil and she has ate most of her yoghurt and olive oil from last night. Should I return her to the flock to see whether she wants to stretch her legs a bit? (I am a bit worried about isolating her for too long in case she gets bullied on her return). Also, as an ex-batt, I don't want her cooped up for any longer than necessary. I have thought about taking her to the vet but do not know whether I would find a chicken friendly one on a bank holiday Sunday; I am also concerned that as she does lay large thin shelled eggs, any prodding around with her could do more harm than good. As she seems happier in herself at the moment, I do not wish to stress her unduly. Any advice please? Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenopolis Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Any news this morning ? Flo laid a soft egg a couple of weeks ago - took her ages, the poor thing. I thought she was really ill - just listless and closing her eyes. Why do these lovely girls cause us so much worry! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Hello, Chunky Monkey's mum . I don't suppose there would be any harm in letting her go back with the others for a bit. They can be away from the flock for a few days with no harm but you might get a better idea of how she's walking and behaving generally. I hope she lays something and perks up soon . (You may have already read this but if not, it could give you some helpful advice .) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chunky monkeys Mum Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Thank you for that ANH. We have put her back and she doesn't seem too distressed - a bit hunched up but is mingling with the rest of the girls and pecking about at the ground. I suppose it is a matter of just waiting to see how things develop. I am hoping that the olive oil dose will help things within a few hours..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 have you got any calcium? It helps with the contractions too. If your weather is a bit iffy I would bring her in every now and again for a warm up, at least she is not wasting energy then keeping warm. I would also take the opportunity of doing a search for a vet that does chickens near you. In readiness, you will need one at some point in time I expect. Also don't worry about he vet poking around... they know what they are doing. Meantime keep offerenig her the food& water, as she might just not feel like getting up to go to it. Keeping fluids up is really important. You could also see if she would like som Wet mash or ready brek, keep her strength up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chunky monkeys Mum Posted August 30, 2009 Share Posted August 30, 2009 Well, Ophelia does seem a lot better now, she has been eating well and running around, whereas yesterday she just sat in the nest box all day, so we have put her to bed with the rest of the gang tonight. Still no sign of any egg though. I suppose we shall just have to keep a close eye on her. Thanks for all of the support and advice!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chunky_Monkey Posted September 1, 2009 Author Share Posted September 1, 2009 Ophelia's gone downhill again since Sunday, when she seemed almost back to normal. There was a soft egg in the nest box yesterday morning, but we don't know for sure it was her or Dora, who hardly ever lays. Yesterday she spent the day outside hunched up, but did do a bit of sunbathing. Today she's worse and is in the cat basket in the living room. Although she's sleeping a lot, she doesn't seem to be in much distress, and she is eating and drinking lots, so I suppose that is a good sign. We have also noticed that her crop is quite squidgy (couldn't think of a better word! ) as well as below her vent. When we thought she was egg bound on Saturday, it felt the opposite. Trying to find a vet who knows a bit about chickens, and hoping they'll be able to sort her out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xScrunchee Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Aaah bless her. You sound as though you are doing everything you can and hopefully you will be able to find a vet. Will keep my fingers crossed for you. Best of luck. Jay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Article **here** about egg binding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 How is she this morning? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chunky_Monkey Posted September 2, 2009 Author Share Posted September 2, 2009 Mostly the same still. She seemed to perk up a little in the evening yesterday and is still eating and drinking lots. We let her outside with the others for a few minutes, (just as it was about to pour down ) and she just stood there huddled up under the table looking miserable. She's now back in doors sleeping. She doesn't seem distressed at any time, just really lethargic. She sleeps most of the day now. Going to ring up the vet who apparently has a nurse who knows a bit about chickens today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Can you not find a vet that knows something and get her seen. I seem to have been following this for too long. It is good if she is eating and drinking, but sitting sleeping is def not so good. A vet can rule out, temperature. egg bound. softee on the way, something stuck, can listen to her chest, peritonitis, all sorts can at least be eliminated. If you post your neaeest town, someone might make a suggestion. for a good vet. A vet who has a nurse that knows a bit probably doesn't have as much knowledge as lots of our experts on her, come on where is Egluntine, Claret, ANH, all the rest of you? Don't you think it is too long now without seeking a vet? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Erm.......I've already pointed out a link to an article on egg binding. However, I doubt that she would be egg bound for so long without being in extremis. However, the best policy is if you don't know what is wrong, or the animal is not responding to home remedies/deteriorating, then the advice of a vet should be sought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chunky monkeys Mum Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 Thank you for your replies and support, we do appreciate it. Our nearest town is Hastings - as stated on Chunky Monkey's profile, I believe. So does anyone know a local vet to us who would actually see a chicken - because so far, no-one has offered to see her. Unfortunately, unexpectedly I have spent all day at the hospital with my mother as an emergency admittance and poor Ophelia has had to take second place in my priorities. She really does not seem to be in pain, she is eating and drinking, but is just extremely lethargic and not herself. I will do my best to get her sorted out with a vet tomorrow, so long as I am not needing to be at the hospital again, perhaps we will have to take her further afield, but don't really want to stress her with a long journey. Thanks again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted September 2, 2009 Share Posted September 2, 2009 I'm so sorry to hear about your mum . Best wishes for a quick recovery . I'm sure Ophelia will be fine for another day or so. Have you checked this list of vets out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
