Chicken Health | PROLAPSE
What is Prolapsed Oviduct?
A prolapsed oviduct is when the lower part of a hen's oviduct turns inside out and is left hanging outside of her vent. This condition is most common in young hens that have started laying too soon but can be inherited in some pure breeds, especially from exhibition lines.
A prolapse is when the tissue inside the vent protrudes from the vent. When a hen lays an egg the tissue will protrude to lay the egg. When a prolapsed oviduct occurs the tissue does not return back inside and stays outside. It can happen when a hen lays a particularly large egg or when a pullet starts to lay before she is fully grown.
Symptoms
- Red tissue hanging out of the chicken's vent
- Other chickens pecking at the prolapse
Treatment
You must separate the hen from the rest of the flock immediately before the other hens start to peck at her. The tissue may recede back in by itself, however in most cases it will need some help from you. Take your hen and place her in warm water and try to gently wash off any dirt or poo that is around her vent or on the tissue. Using petroleum jelly gently push the tissue back inside her vent. You will need to keep the hen isolated for a couple of days. It is recommended to keep her in darkness, so she doesn’t lay any eggs to give her oviduct a rest. After a few days of rest, she can return to the flock, but you will need to keep a close eye on her to see if she prolapses again. If you don’t feel comfortable treating a prolapsed hen yourself, you should take her to the vet.