Prolapsed Vent

**RichmondHens** · 07-07-2010, 08:45 AM

Yes I had one a few years ago. It went back in but kept popping out over a period of 5/6 months (not every time she laid but maybe once a fortnight or so). In the end we culled her. The internal muscles can get slack over time and if the hen lays large eggs they are more at risk as it takes a bit more pushing. It's really up to you. You can try putting it back in and see what happens, but if it keeps popping out it would be kinder to cull her. There is a risk of the others pecking it, and in this weather fly strike to just walk around with it hanging out.

**frias** · 07-07-2010, 08:51 AM

I've not had to do this myself but saw the treatment on LIttle Hen Rescue web site under 'Once home/medical advice.' It shows you how to apply hemorrhoid cream and bandage. Also explans how bandage is for night time only etc. They claim 100% success with this method. Good luck.

**RichmondHens** · 07-07-2010, 09:10 AM

They do have a "no cull unless absolutely necessary" policy there though, sometimes to the point where they try too hard to save a bird, and I'm not sure it's always in the best interests of the bird. They have "saved" some weird and wacky looking birds (deformed from the battery cages) who supposedly still have good quality of life, but I have my doubts.

**petal** · 07-07-2010, 09:36 AM

As a hen keeps on laying, it can't be told to stop for a bit! - the problem will keep coming back in my experience and with this hot weather she could get fly strike. The kindest thing to do if she doesn't respond to initial treatment is to put her down. Not nice but we lost our favourite black rock to this recently. At the end of the day they can't help themselves and rely on us to make the right decision so they don't suffer.

**lindyloo** · 07-07-2010, 01:57 PM

what causes this to happen? a few years ago i gave someone some of my surplus babies, and they later (when they were big enough to lay), told me that this happened to all of thiers, and all at the same time period too. i was quite upset about it. but it has never happened to any of mine?

**lizzylemon** · 07-07-2010, 04:19 PM

I've theories as to why its happened - shes been a fantastic layer from day one bless her and has laid through thick & thin, including every day during winter so it might just be her muscle are suffering from 'old age' especially as she's quite little and her eggs are a good medium size.

the other thing (which I thought was harmless) is that she often sits higher than the other hen and if there's a 'pecker' in the flock they can actually peck at the vent. Well clapclap has been a pecker in the past and it maybe she's started again and as we recently lost the hen with no name, clapclap could well be picking on chickpea.

**jessmorris** · 07-07-2010, 07:36 PM

Originally posted by lindyloo View Post

what causes this to happen? a few years ago i gave someone some of my surplus babies, and they later (when they were big enough to lay), told me that this happened to all of thiers, and all at the same time period too. i was quite upset about it. but it has never happened to any of mine?

I don't know much about this but when I was reading up about it, one piece did mention that overweight hens are more likely to have prolapse...............

**frias** · 07-07-2010, 09:18 PM

Originally posted by RichmondHens View Post

They do have a "no cull unless absolutely necessary" policy there though, sometimes to the point where they try too hard to save a bird, and I'm not sure it's always in the best interests of the bird. They have "saved" some weird and wacky looking birds (deformed from the battery cages) who supposedly still have good quality of life, but I have my doubts.

I agree it's about quality of life. I have had 2 cats which I know I kept going far longer than I should have. I take the chickens to the vet and let him decide now. I'm always willing to have a go if he says it's viable but only if the girls won't suffer.

**moola** · 07-07-2010, 09:51 PM

unfortunately I do have experience of dealing with prolapses. Vet advice - basically if it keeps popping out - then cull.
I have managed to keep prolapses together and 'in' on some hens - switched them onto corn to get them out of lay etc...but they always had another episode.
You can't let your other hen peck at her vent - if they draw blood they will not stop.
Sorry to be such a pessimist but I can only go on past experiences. I basically now have a policy - if it is a small prolapse pop it back in and see what happens, a big one - then cull. Egg peritonitus - a good clean 24 hrs and then judge. No pick up - the cull.
It sounds harsh but as long as my hens have had happy healthy lives then I figure it's OK....

**lizzylemon** · 08-07-2010, 08:51 AM

I've no objection to culling the hen - I decided when we first got them that they would have a healthy and happy life but no vets or dragging out the inevitable.

I've put it back in and now it's just a wait and see what happens situation. Fingers crossed. Shes a scruffy but cheeky little chook.

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