[Scribbler]

I'm looking after next door's chickens again this week. One has a mystery ailment. It seems to have adopted a strange posture, with it bottom pointing down all the time. In other words walking a bit like a penguin. I've mentioned this here before, some time ago.

The owner said she though it was some form of tendonitis in the chicken's feet, but it seems to affect the whole of it's lower body. It reminds me of something out of Wallace and Gromit.

Don't know anything about chickens, but could it be egg bound or something similar?

[carolbriar]

I'm not sure but most people who mention that they look like penguins find they are egg bound.  (I think!) 

[ehs284]

Yes, but have a look at her rear in case there is a prolapse (can have both). Lots of posts and stickies about, but try a warm bath and massage before anything more drastic.

[karlooben]

it may possibly be egg bound if you cant do it yourself { place a oiled finger with gloves on inside her and feel for an egg } take her to a vet you will check her for being bound the egg may well be broken inside her and it needs rmoving a.s.a.p .

[dizzylizzie]

How long has she been like this for?

[Scribbler]

Don't know. They're next door's chickens.

[joyfull]

Have you felt underneath her to see if you can feel an egg?
One of my books described being egg bound as a form of cramp where the muscles do not allow the egg to pass down. It suggests placing her in a warm area and lubricating the vent. The warmth should help relax the muscles allowing the egg to pass.


Details taken from Poultry and waterfowl problems by Michael Roberts.