Is it possible for your chicken to constipate? This is a question that many farmers and chicken keepers would love answered, considering that chicken owners will want to do everything to ensure their birds are safe.
So, what causes constipation in chickens, and is there a solution to fix the issue? Read on to discover the potential causes of constipation in chicken and how you can prevent it.
Why Do Chicken Constipate?
Before you find a solution to the constipation problem that your chicken seem to be facing, you may first want to understand why it happens. Well, there are not many explanations as to why this happens. Most people assume that it could be food-related.
However, it also has a lot to do with the egg, especially if it keeps happening to your hens. The chicken is likely to be constipated when the egg interferes with the defecation process, causing too much discomfort. If this is the problem, your chicken will get back to normal once the egg is dislodged.
How to tell if a Bird is Constipated?
Like humans, the chicken will also exhibit specific symptoms when they are constipated. In most cases, the chicken will be gloomy, with very little activity. It is also likely not to move around much because of the discomfort it is feeling.
Usually, it will not eat or eat very little. When it comes to its droppings, you are likely to witness very little of it or none at all. In most cases, the chicken will stay on its own and not interact with the other birds. It is easy for its owner to note that something is wrong.
What Should You Do?
When you notice such symptoms, then you need to look for a way to fix it. One of the first things you must do is isolate the chicken and give it space to be on its own. Letting it remain with the others is the easiest way to increase its discomfort. When you isolate the chicken, pay close attention to its reactions, and note if it needs any further assistance.
Potential Solutions
There is no one-perfect fit solution for all chicken. Different birds respond to different remedies, which means that you should keep trying to find out which one works. You must first establish and confirm that it is truly constipated and not egg bound.
You can do this by warming up its rare and using your hands to find out if an egg is stuck inside. If you are sure that it is not egg-bound, you can try out the numerous remedies recommended by expert farmers. These include:
Using a bit of molasses
This has been found to work in chicks. However, it would help if you exercised caution not to use too much of it. You can try it for a while by mixing it with water and giving the chicken using a dropper. Observe it after a while to see if there are any significant changes.
Keep giving it water
This should probably be the first thing you do. Avoid feeding it for a day or two since this may compound the situation. Let it drink plenty of water to see if it improves. The water should soften the hard poop and help it release with much ease.
Applying warm compresses
A different chicken expert recommends that you first apply warm compresses on the constipated chicken’s vent area, at least for 15 to 20 minutes. You can then proceed to lubricate the vent area with some petroleum jelly, say Vaseline.
Make sure to wear gloves when doing this to avoid any risks of infection. After all, it is hygienic and less messy too. Once you have done this, leave the bird alone and allow it to get back to its normal routine. Keep doing this at least once or twice every day for 5 to 7 days. B the end of the treatment, your bird, will overcome its constipation challenge.
Call the Vet
If you realize that all your efforts are proving to be fruitless, then consider involving a vet in the process. The vet will diagnose the chicken to establish any medical issues that it may have. In case the problem is medical, the vet will administer the appropriate medication and have your bird back to its perfect status.
The Bottom Line
Chicken farmers are likely to notice a lot of issues with their birds now and then. The important thing is not to panic but to face the challenge soberly and carefully. Isolated affected birds and try out different remedies before involving the vet.
The issue may be a minor one and easily fixable with patience. The important thing is to try and keep the chicken comfortable too and ensure they don’t have other complications that need medication like corid.
