Chortle Chook Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 I don't want to appear naive or silly but do you think that there could be something wrong with my little black Silkie? She has a sort of white discharge / gunk on the feathers near her bum. She was ok around lunch time but by corn time she was sitting rather hunched behind a bush and did not seem to want her corn. She seems to be sort of panting. I have read about chickens getting egg bound but she does not appear to have an egg in her. Sorry if it is too much info, but I very gently inserted the end of my little finger in her vent, to check. Could the egg be further up? I have given her some ground up oyster shell for calcium just in case and tried to put her in the coop but she only jumped back out again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted February 25, 2011 Share Posted February 25, 2011 The white is probably urates (chicken urine) which comes out with droppings. I would check whether it smells bad which could indicate it is an infection like thrush or vent gleet. Could be a laying problem but I would give her a general check tomorrow. If you put your ear on her back and listen you will hear if she has an infection. Sort of wheeze or rattle. The panting could be due to a raised temperature. I'd check her crop and check her all over for parasites, wounds or any injuries. Have another good look at her vent and feel her tummy. Panting could be due to overheating but it could be because of anaemia or raised pressure in her abdomen or just distress. Also see when you last wormed her and check the house for mites which can cause anaemia. Hope she picks up quick and lays an egg or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted February 25, 2011 Author Share Posted February 25, 2011 Many thanks, Plum. I've put her to bed now and will check her carefully as you suggest first thing in the morning. I'ts worrying having a poorly chook Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 27, 2011 Share Posted February 27, 2011 It could also be the lubricating fluid that is added at the end of egg laying. one of my White stars pours gallons of it when she lays an egg. It dries in a crusty white gunk. I have to wash her nether regions regularly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chortle Chook Posted March 1, 2011 Author Share Posted March 1, 2011 I think we have found what it was. Can you believe it, she has been eating eggs. I found Dolly my broody Silkie sitting on an egg shell and the slueth in me would not give up till I had found the scoffing culprit. Somehow I knew it wasn't Dolly as I've always found whole eggs under her before. OH said that our poorly hen had been sitting right next to Dolly earlier so I feel sure it was her. OH also said that he had spied an egg hidden behind a bamboo a few weeks ago but though he had not moved it, it was gone now. So I think that Delia must have eaten it and got a tummy upset. Luckily she is fine now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
