Possible Prolapse? Please Help!

[Amy]

Hi everyone

My young Bluebelle has just started laying in the last week or so. Her eggs are still pretty small but she seems to be getting the hang of it.

However, over the last few days I have noticed that when she goes to poop about an inch of her oviduct comes right out and she seems to be straining. The poop looks normal in terms of colour and texture but it comes out in dribs and drabs as though she is straining/constipated. As soon as she has finished it pops back in and on inspection looks totally normal.

She has a balanced diet of layer pellets during the day with mixed corn in an eve. Every other day they have fresh fruit and veg but she is no where near over weight.

She also lays her eggs quickly with no visible problems.

I am just concerned the oviduct will get damaged/all fall out so I want to fix it quick whilst she is still healthy and happy!

Should I try Hemorroid cream or anything else? Non of the other chucks are pecking at her or anything and she certainly is not off colour...she is a little piglet!

Thanks! x

 

[foxy]

I expect her reproductive tract is just getting used to the laying lark, and as the cloaca (rectum) is also involved in excretion - things may take a little while to settle down. I am sure it is nothing to worry about. What might be a good idea is just to cut out mixed corn for a while as this is prime time for young pullets to store calcium, yes, they will complain like mad!!!
Calcium is not only used in shell formation but is used to support the pelvic muscles used in pressing the egg along it's way and the actual laying process.
I personally don't give any mixed corn in the summer, as they will be in full lay, I do give a small scatter of corn in the winter though, to help keep them warm on very cold nights.
hth x

 

[Amy]

Oh thank you so much for that! I feel so much better! She is one of my favourites. Ever so friendly and loves cuddles! Was going into panic mode. So If I cut the corn out will that not effect their calcium if they need it?!?! x

 

[foxy]

Oh thank you so much for that! I feel so much better! She is one of my favourites. Ever so friendly and loves cuddles! Was going into panic mode. So If I cut the corn out will that not effect their calcium if they need it?!?! x

Good quality layers pellets will contain all the calcium they need, in addition, the best way to add calcium to a chooks diet is in a crude form, like good quality oyster shell (see Wells Poultry for examples) Oyster grit allows a kind of "slow release" which is a natural way of chooks gaining any necessary calcium. Slower, gradual absorption means the body can build reserves to draw on as and when needed, nature is incredible sometimes!

Going back to mixed corn, has some nutritional content, not really a lot though. Useful as it keeps hens scratching away and therefore busy and happy

 

[Amy]

That great advice, thank you so much. Will stop with the mixed corn, they will get over it Im sure!!!!
I just give my chucks mixed rough grit as I was told Oyster shell was bad for them?!?!?! However, on your advice I will invest in a bag of this and mix it all together. I want the best for my girls!
As for the prolapse issue, I did wonder whether this was down to initial laying as she is my first girl to start laying...all my other girls I inherited and are 6 years old so already good layers!!!!
Thanks again for the advice, I really appreciate it! x