[JMB]

One of my hens sadly died today. She was absolutely fine yesterday, I was laughing at her running about, but I found her in the hen house this morning with her eyes shut and looking a bit hunched up.
I took her to the vet who said they'd keep her in, warm her up and ring me with an update. The vet said she looked healthy enough, shiny feathers and things, and seemed a bit stumped at first.
He rang later though to say she looked sore underneath and he suspected peritonitis . He advised me to have her put to sleep.
Is it just one of those things or should I be watching the others? Can you prevent peritonitis?
She was one of two hens I found abandoned under my recycling bin 6 months ago, so I don't know much about them. But they've been fine, and laying.  They are all free range.
The other one lay soft shell eggs for a while. I'm hoping this isn't connected and that the others are all ok .
I really miss her. I had a sheep put down on Monday too, so not a great week.
Thanks
Joanne xxxxxx

[Hassle]

Peritonitis is normally due to a rupture, you can't catch ruptures

[JMB]

What an idiot I am! I only heard the vet talk about an egg not being in the right place and assumed it was some deficiency in her laying.
We've had hens for a few years and none of them have been ill, so I was bewildered and hadn't a clue
Thanks xxxxx

[Mammyshaz]

Peritonitis can be the result of an egg rupturing internally. Check they have a constant supply of grit and good quality layers pellet. Other than that there is nothing you can do. It just happens and the first you know of it can be when the hen is very ill.
I lost one last year with this. We tried treating with antibiotics and pain relief which went on for several days before she died.  On reflection I think ill finish it as soon as the diagnosis is made in future 

Sometimes smallholding can be harsh on the heart strings 

[colliewoman]

I lost one to internal laying/peritonitis too. If anyone wants to see the pics of what can actually be happening INSIDE the hen then look here. Not if you are eating though. I will cull as soon as I suspect it now
http://www.accidentalsmallholder.net/forum/index.php?topic=22734.msg219734#msg219734


Not sure if one causes the other or if in fact it is all the same thing but eeeeeeeeeew!