[Mammyshaz]

This morning one of our hens looked fluffed up a bit and wandering about the coop not interested in coming out for food. This hen has laid every day for 2 years except a few weeks ago when she had a soft shell a few dotted days in a week and no eggs on a couple of days. Always been fit and well otherwise.

On checking her I discovered a piece of soft shell hanging out of her. I gently pulled and a large shell expelled but there was no sign of egg contents. I couldn't feel anything else inside so presuming it was the full shell although it was in a long strip.

Now I'm wondering what the risks of infection are. Would you cover with antibiotics? And would the contents of the egg already be passed out as the soft shell ruptured before I found her?

Any advice appreciated   

[HesterF]

I guess the risk is egg peritonitis. Antibiotics probably worth it and touch wood. No experience myself but I gather ongoing laying is unlikely if she does develop peritonitis.  the egg contents came out rather than going in, in which case her chances should be better but sounds like grit is in order.

H

[Mammyshaz]

Thanks, think I'll cover her with antibiotics just in case then. She is very bright this afternoon and now eating well.
They have a constant grit and oyster shell mix, get greens from the garden and nibble grass as well as layers pellet ad lib, then mixed corn before dusk.

I've put some poultry spice in the food this morning just to feel better about doing something else really.
I guess the next few days will tell how she will do 

[chrismahon]

If the poos are green she has an infection so react swiftly Mammyshaz. Probably a large soft-shelled egg that she couldn't shift and burst and which may have cut her internally. Worth keeping a close eye on her. Peritonitus is when the egg slips out of the oviduct internally and sits in the abdomen. Not terminal but very expensive to cure -£200 plus, based on surgery, abdominal draining and hormone treatments. Yes, it does work, but beyond the scope of most vets.

[Mammyshaz]

Thanks chris. She is well at present but I'm keeping a close eye on her  poos seem normal so far.