Solitary chicken - need advice

[Sarahsausage]

Rita has been egg bound for two days now, I've oiled her vent and put a warm hot water bottle in the nesting box last night but she is still bunged up. She looks so depressed, I'm worried she's going to die. Should I take her to the vets if she's still the same when I get home this evening? What could a vet do though? Any advise or other Omleters experience would be really appreciated.

[Egluntyne]

Have a look at **this article**.

 

I would take her to the vet if there are no signs of improvement by this evening.

[Sarahsausage]

Thanks Egluntine! I'll try some of the advice

[Patricia W]

Sarahsausage, Are you sure she is egg bound? Mine are stopping laying in preparation for winter. But the vet will know so best idea to go to set your mind at rest.

 

Tricia

[Sarahsausage]

Hi Tricia, she's definately egg bound, has been before so know the signs, it just hasn't lasted this long before, poor girl. Her rear is swollen like there's an egg stuck as well.

[Egluntyne]

Just a thought....if she is getting on a bit, it could be peritonitis.

[Sarahsausage]

I'm not sure how old she is, she's an ex-batt that I've had for a year (a year today actually!), I guess she must be about 3? I think I will take her to the vets tonight. Poor girl, I'm so worried, I love her to bits.

[The Dogmother]

If she's an ex-batt, then she is likely to be prone to egg tackle problems, best get her to the vet if there's no sign of an egg.

[Sarahsausage]

Appointment has been booked for this eveing! I'm hoping to go home and find she's passed the egg though.

[Sarahsausage]

Took Rita to the vets, the vet was lovely, he examined her and came to the conclusion there was a soft egg that won't budge, he gave her a calcium and oxytocin injection. If she still isn't any better tomorrow I'll have to say goodbye to my little love. I so hope she gets better. She went to bed as soon as we got home and I put a warm hot water bottle where she sleeps to keep her warm and hopefully relax her. She is such a darling and I'm dreading tomorrow. I love her to bits

[Egluntyne]

Fingers crossed.

[The Dogmother]

Any news this morning?

[Sarahsausage]

Rita is no better this morning, bless her, she didn't even want any grapes and they're her favourite. I have to take her back to the vets tonight, it would be a dream come true if she had passed the egg by the time I get home later but I don't think that will happen. At least she will have had a year of freedom and being spoilt. Who'd have thought chickens could break your heart hey!?

[cluckingmad]

Keeping hoping sweety, you never know...

And yes, they really do steal your heart don't they - but she's had a year of being a real chicken and not a caged egg production line, and that has to count for something *hugs*

[The Dogmother]

It's true, for such wee critters, they have a real hold on you, don't they?

 

I'm afraid that ex-batts are more prone to poor muscle tone 'down below' in later life.

 

Keep doing those pelvic floor exercises girls!

[Sarahsausage]

Aah, thank you cluckingmad and Claret. I notice you lost Millie recently cluckingmad, i'm sorry for your loss, it's good that she had lots of happy days and freedom though, they really deserve it after all they've had to go through.

[BocBoc]

Fingers crossed for her, do keep us posted...

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Fingers crossed that she lays that egg .

[Sarahsausage]

Poor Rita had to be put to sleep this afternoon, she just wasn't getting any better bless her. She looked so sad but perked up a bit when I let her out in to the garden to free range for one last time in the warm sun. I've buried her in her favourite scratting place, she will be sorely missed. Bless our chickens for giving us so much joy.

[Redwing]

What a shame, I am so sorry

[cluckingmad]

So sorry to hear about Rita At least she's not suffering now and she obviously had a fabulous life with you

 

x

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I'm so sorry to hear about Rita . Poor little thing .

[Egluntyne]

Sorry to hear it.

[redhotchick]

SarahSausage you gave Rita a lovely life.

Big Hug from me. Have a relaxing weekend and be kind to yourself.

[bettyhen]

I`m so sorry. I was really hoping she would be o.k