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[Leicester_H]

Hi

 

Lily, who is now about 4 years old, stopped laying last July. We'd taken her to the vet as she was not eating and was laying rubbery eggs. Vet thought she had an ovary infection - prescribed baytril and painkiller - she got better and has been fine since (but no eggs)

 

Today, I found a strange 'egg' on the bars in the eglu - about normal size but a bit tubular - but it was solid all the way through - strange texture - closest thing I can think of, is sort of cheddar cheese texture, pale brown in colour. There was a tiny bit of blood on it - presumably where she'd strained to pass it. There was a similar small lump (maybe 1/4 egg size) in the nest box - but no blood.

 

She seems perfectly fine in herself - eating, drinking, running around, free ranging. There was a tiny bit of blood on the feathers around her vent - but I couldn't see anything else - so don't think she needs the vet (yet) - as its not a stress-free 'operation' I don't want to take her unless necessary. I'll examine her more closely tomorrow.

 

After today, I won't be able to take her to a vet (if necessary) until monday. I have some baytril left over and am thinking of giving it to her (in the previous dose amount) over the weekend (in case blood was from an tear which could get infected) and she how she does.

 

So

a. does this sound like a sensible plan ?

b. any ideas about the 'eggs' ?

c. any other advice would be gratefully received.

 

Thanks in advance, H

Edited February 2, 2013 by Guest

[mimi5]

Hi there Hazel. I haven't experienced this, but I believe your hen has laid what is known as a "Lash" If you look in FAQ at the heading "What has my hen laid" Blood is a bit more worrying though. But I guess keep an eye on her and if in doubt seek the vet out!

[jimnpaula]

I believe your hen has laid what is known as a "Lash" If you look in FAQ at the heading "What has my hen laid" Blood is a bit more worrying though. But I guess keep an eye on her and if in doubt seek the vet out!

 

Just to say that I agree entirely with this advice.

[Snowy]

I agree Hazel - sounds like she was just having a clear out. As long as she appears bright and perky as normal, I wouldn't worry.

[jasperaliceuk]

I have had two of these in the past month from the same chicken I believe. The second was this morning. She was feeling very sorry for herself a couple of days ago, slightly runny tum, but the next morning was fine. I'd put it down maybe to overdosing on cabbage. But this morning another of these lumps in the next box, as describe - to me it looks like a lump of liver that's been boiled - all pale pink and hard. She's as bright as a button though.

 

I can't believe that if someone has taken the time to name this 'thing' that there seems to be very little information about what it is exactly and why! Obviously the lowly chicken is not worthy of such research:(

 

I will be gutted if it means her early demise as she's my favourite and only two years old.

 

Sue

[Leicester_H]

Thanks all.

Since I now have 2 elderly (4 and 6) hens that live in their own but joined runs (due to pecking), they can't huddle together at night - so if its going to be below freezing overnight, I bring them into the utility room in cat boxes to sleep.

They are there now - I'm going to keep them there until around lunch time when its a bit warmer (still 0 degrees in my garden).

 

I have used the 'emergency' weekend vet service before - not impressed (prescribed antibiotics for egg-bound chicken - Lily in fact - a few years ago) - so vet isn't an option until monday really.

 

She seems alert, has eaten and drunk water. So fingers crossed that baytril(as a precaution) and some TLC will see her through. Thanks again, H

[Egghead68]

Really please don't worry too much about a lash. They are pretty common and don't normally cause problems. If she were mine I wouldn't take her to the vet unless she seemed ill.

 

Mine sleep in the utility room when it's around zero or below too. They love it and try to get in there even on warm nights!

[Leicester_H]

She seems to be getting worse. Looks quite sleepy - not at all herself.

Just gave her some sweetcorn (covered in dose of baytril) and she just pecked at a little of it - totally out of character.

 

Is laying a lash like laying a softie - they get better straight afterwards - or does/can it take time.

 

Will take her to vet ASAP on Monday - is there anything else I can do until then ?

 

Thanks, H

[Egghead68]

In my limited experience they usually get better straight after a lash or softie unless there is another one on the way.

 

I would bring her in to the warm and make sure she is drinking before getting her to the vet on Monday. I don't know whether a warm bath would help her pass anything else she may have left in her (obv dry her off carefully and don't let her get cold).

 

Good luck with her. I hope she picks up.

[Leicester_H]

Hi

She is in cat box in utility room - so warm - been there all day.(Boo is in another cat box facing her for company - would be in overnight anyway as she is 6 and its too cold at night at present)

There were a few droppings in the box (about right for what she's eaten) so I assume there is no blockage.

Her crop felt squishy - which I think is how it should be.

She has water - so all I can do is leave her in peace and hope she picks up.

H

[Egghead68]

Fingers crossed for her.

 

(P.S. Presumably her crop doesn't feel squishy in a filled-with-liquid/sour crop type of way?)

[Leicester_H]

(P.S. Presumably her crop doesn't feel squishy in a filled-with-liquid/sour crop type of way?)

Not sure - hadn't thought of that - thanks- checked it last night but didn't want to stress her too much this morning - will check in a minute.

I assumed the passing of the lash was the problem - maybe, a total coincidence?

 

Didn't think she'd make it through the night as she was very sleepy and her head was falling last night.

But she has - not sure I feel confident enough to 'manipulate' crop myself - so we are planning to phone for a vet appointment 1st thing tomorrow morning - hopefully keeping her warm and calm will get her through until then.

 

H

[Egghead68]

If you do think her crop might be sour you can try giving her natural yogurt and oral daktarin gel (from chemist - for humans and not licensed for chickens).

 

Good luck.

[Leicester_H]

Thanks for all the finger crossing - it may have worked.

She has certainly picked up - if she's as lively tomorrow morning and eats and drinks, I don't think the vet will be needed - hooray!

Will report back tomorrow.

Its certainly reassuring to get your replies on here - THANKS.

H

[Egghead68]

Excellent news! Hope she continues to do well.

[Leicester_H]

I am very pleased to report that Lily seems fine today.

Has gone out in her run - will come back in tonight as predicted to be below zero.

So can only assume it was something to do with the lash.

 

They are such a worry, aren't they ?!

 

Thanks all, H

[mimi5]

Oh that is good news!! Amazing what a bit of TLC can do for a poorly chook!

[Egghead68]

That's great!