Prolapsus

Prolapse or prolapsus as it is properly known is when the inside of the oviduct comes out / is inverted. It can occur in any of your egg laying poultry. It is usually caused when a bird has had an egg stuck, otherwise known as 'egg binding' or can be when a she has had an inflamation of the oviduct or weakening of the muscles that hold this organ in place. The first you will probably know about prolapse is when you see part of the oviduct 'hanging out' from the back end of her. Sometimes if you get blood stained eggs this can be a clue that something isn't right. It can effect young pullets that are forced into lay too quickly - which is why it is important to be careful with the light given to growers (decreasing daylight hours are best from midsummer onwards so they don't think it is spring and come into lay too soon).

Treatment.

Treatment is easy enough although unfortunately it isn't usually too successful. Firstly, as with all problems, remove the bird from the flock. You could prepare some antiseptic and bathe the affected area then using your fingers, gently push the prolaps back in. You should of course put the treated bird in a separate house to give her time to recover away from the others.

Remember to wear gloves.

Chances of survival?

As mentioned above, treatment isn't usually that successful. Bacteria can enter the oviduct and peritonitus can occur (an inflammation of the peritoneum). Often other birds will peck the wound which will usually mean the bird can't get better and it would be kinder to put her to sleep to prevent any suffering. Birds that do recover the condition is likely to happen again when she comes back into lay however I have had a bird that made a full recovery and hasn't had any further problems.