prolapsed poultry

Ched · « **on:** February 27, 2008, 16:43 »

One of my chickens has suffered a major prolapse. She seems fine in herself ( if walking slightly slower than usual!). We don't want to cull her but don't know what to do.
A pasing vet told us that it could be stitched back but that would be both costly and useless if she continued to lay eggs as the prolapse would happen again.
Any ideas please :cry:

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #1 on:** February 27, 2008, 16:50 »

It can sometimes be treated Ched.

You need to make sure the prolapsed tissue is very clean. Bathe it with an antiseptic in warm water and very gently with a well lubricated finger ease the tissue back in. Hemroid cream can also be use to shrink it if it is swollen.

Keep her separated from the other hens and somewhere darkish to discourage laying. Give here plenty of water but cut her rations down also to discourage laying.

Check her frequently and retreat if it prolapses again.

Good luck and let us know how she goes. :!:

Bodger · « **Reply #2 on:** February 27, 2008, 18:03 »

If you manage to sort the problem out , you'll be very fortunate and then because its happened once, it will almost cetainly be a recurring problem and it would be kinder to the chicken to euthenase. :cry:

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #3 on:** February 27, 2008, 18:27 »

I do know people who have successfully treated their hens. It depends on how much care you can give them. And trying to prevent them laying while they heal.

But I think in quite a large proportion of cases Bodger is right.

Contadino · « **Reply #4 on:** February 27, 2008, 18:28 »

One of our prolapsed whilst still quite young, but seemed to recover. When I killed her and opened her up several months later, all manner of things were wrong in there. I doubt she'd ever produced an egg after her prolapse, and whilst she showed no signs of being in pain, she couldn't have been been right.

IME, you're better off culling now.

babe · « **Reply #5 on:** February 27, 2008, 18:35 »

i also feel that culling would be best,

though i would probably try aunt sallys suggestion first even knowing that most prolapses will happen again.

my main worry would be the distress that she may be caused, as the other girls will be very tempted to peck her.

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #6 on:** February 27, 2008, 20:35 »

It's impossible to give the best advice over the internet :!: Only the person who can see and handle the chook can really say how serious any condition is.

I do know hens that have recovered from a prolapse and gone on to live a happy healthy life but I agree that any animal that is suffering unnecessarily should be humanely culled :cry:

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