The term "retention" indicates that the hen is unable to lay eggs. This is obviously not a healthy situation, as the eggs remain in his body. However, there are several remedies to help you heal. It is also important to recognize the symptoms of the disease, as well as find ways to prevent it.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Recognizing Egg Retention
Step 1. Check your appetite
If you are worried and worried that the hen may be suffering from this disease, you can monitor several symptoms. In addition to noticing that it does not lay any eggs, the animal shows other signs. For example, you can pay attention to his appetite.
- If you don't eat or show any interest in food for a whole day, you may be suffering from egg retention; you may also notice that she does not drink water.
- When observing his eating habits, be especially careful if he produces stool. Sometimes, a hen suffering from egg retention might also have constipation ailments.
Step 2. Examine his behavior
This ailment is extremely annoying to hens. Physical pain can cause them to act differently than usual. If your hen seems apathetic or depressed to you, she may be suffering from this disease.
- Pay attention to other behavioral signs as well. Take note if it keeps entering and exiting the nest repeatedly.
- Remember that chickens sometimes stop egg production for other reasons, such as a wave of intense heat. This is why it is very important to monitor different physical behaviors and symptoms when inspecting your specimens.
Step 3. Look for physical signs
The hen may look different than usual during the illness. For example, the muzzle and crest may appear pale, or may even walk differently; with the retention of the egg it could take a duck-like gait, a bit like penguins.
- The hen assumes a posture as if trying to lay an egg. Abdominal strain and a hard belly are symptoms of the disease.
- Pay attention to his stool, as he may often have liquid diarrhea when suffering from this disorder.
Method 2 of 3: Cure the Hen
Step 1. Gather the tools
It is possible to cure the disease at home, by procuring a few simple items. Get a tub of warm water and Epsom salts.
- You will also need some type of lubricant; you can use a vegetable oil or petroleum jelly.
- A hen with retention can die within 48 hours if she is unable to expel the egg. If you have decided to treat it at home, take action as soon as possible.
Step 2. Keep her warm and make her comfortable
When she is unable to lay eggs, she is usually very anxious; do your best to relieve her discomfort, touch her gently and make sure she stays in a warm environment.
- If she doesn't object, put her butt in the tub of hot water for about 30 minutes.
- Try putting it in a room with a lot of steam. The ideal is to keep it in a small bathroom where you run hot water from the shower. The temperature should be around 26-32 ° C. The heat should help relax the muscles, making it easier for the egg to pass.
Step 3. Use the massage technique
You can apply gentle pressure to help her lay the egg. Gently rub your abdomen with one hand; if you find that she is uncomfortable or anxious, stop immediately.
- This method is often effective, but it is important to be very careful when handling a chicken affected by this disease. Apply light pressure so you don't risk breaking the egg inside your abdomen.
- While you are trying to cure her, keep her hydrated. You can offer her water with electrolytes.
Step 4. Apply a lubricant
This way, you can help her to expel the stuck egg more easily. Wear latex gloves for this.
- Give her some time to relax. Leave it alone in a warm environment for about half an hour, then check it again.
- If the egg still doesn't come out after the massage and lube, you need to consider other options. It is possible to insert a sharp object into the egg canal to break it, however, this is not recommended: the shell may shatter into splinters and puncture the hen's uterus.
Step 5. Call the vet
If you can't help the hen lay the egg, you need to seek professional help. Call the vet and ask if you can take the animal to the clinic for an operation. The doctor may proceed with treatments that you do not have available.
- He may recommend a calcium injection that makes it easier for the egg to pass.
- If the problem is chronic or hereditary, you should consider neutering the hen.
Method 3 of 3: Preventing Egg Retention
Step 1. Know the causes
When raising chickens it is important to know their most common health problems. For example, you should learn about the most common causes responsible for egg retention. Age is a risk factor: Older hens or those laying eggs for the first time are more likely to suffer from this disorder.
- Egg retention can be passed on from one generation to the next; in this case, there is nothing you can do to avoid it.
- Another cause can be an abnormal egg, for example when it is too large or has an unusual shape.
Step 2. Provide her with all the nutrients
The hen's diet is important for her overall health. If you don't meet her nutrient needs, you put her at a greater risk of egg retention. Calcium and vitamin D are especially important for chickens.
- If the calcium levels are low, you can try putting a calcium block in the chicken coop. Ask your vet for advice before using supplements.
- If you live in a very sunny area, your pet may need additional vitamin D. Consider installing sunlamps in the pen.
Step 3. Make sure it is active
Hens need to move to stay healthy. Make sure she has plenty of room to roam around. Build the largest chicken coop your backyard can accommodate.
It scatters its food over a large area, to force it to move to eat. Make sure she can stay out of the coop for a few hours each day
Advice
- Read up on chicken health before deciding to keep chickens.
- Take care of the chickens every day. Egg retention can come on suddenly.
