[jackieand glenn]

hi there. is their anyone that could throw any light on what could be wrong with my chicken. shes a white sussex, i think about 3, as i had her given me last year i cant be sure of age. it started about 2 weeks ago, she just stood about looking sorry for herself. shes been eating and drinking as normal, and always run for scraps when i feed them. her comb is now flopping to one side, which has been standing up before. now today shes in a right mess, sort of sitting back on her rear end. still eating and drinking and mixing ok with all the other chickens. when i picked her up shes so heavy. ive put her in warm water and greased up her vent in case egg stuck, but shes one of the hens that done lay very well so i have no idea when she last laid. just had a look at her and still the same, no egg anywhere, im just guessing at that but as shes so heavy also seems swollen out the back end not near her vent tho. shes breathing very fast also. never seen anything like this before. all the normal been done, worming, etc. any ideas. thanks so much. x

[ANHBUC]

Sounds like she is egg bound.  You would need to get her to the vet pronto. Good luck.

[jackieand glenn]

thats the only thing i could think of. isnt there anyway i can help her. rang my vet but he nos nothing really about chickens and gave me a number for a vet but miles away.

[Aunt Sally]

It could be egg yolk peritonitis.  I would advise a vets examination.

Do you know any experienced chicken keepers who would able to advise you ?

[jhub]

She needs to kept in a warm and humid environment. Some poultry tonic and calcium with Vit D might be helpful. From what I've read a vet can administer injectable calcium which might help her muscles to contract and expel the egg. She might also need antibiotics.
I would still take her to your vet, he/ she should be able to contact a colleague for advice.
I hope I've posted a link about egg binding
http://www.vetafarm.com/pages/Complications-of-Egg-Binding-in-Birds-.html
Good luck.

[jackieand glenn]

thanks for all your help, i think this must be the problem. ive just checked her and she sleeping so first thing tomorrow i am ringing others vets and getting her in. many thanks.