Recognising and Treating Prolapse in Chickens

Prolapse is a distressing but relatively common condition in backyard hens. Recognising the signs early and responding promptly can make a significant difference in a hen's chance of recovery. This post provides chicken owners with practical guidance on identifying, treating, and preventing prolapse.

What is Prolapse?

Prolapse, also known as a prolapsed vent or prolapsed oviduct, occurs when a portion of the hen's reproductive tract is pushed outside of the vent (cloaca). It most commonly happens after the hen lays a large or misshapen egg, but can also result from straining or underlying health conditions.

Signs to Watch For

If you suspect a prolapse, check your hen for the following symptoms:

• A red, swollen mass protruding from the vent
• Bleeding or peck marks around the vent
• Straining or difficulty passing droppings
• Lethargy or isolation from the flock
• Egg residue or mucus around the vent

Prompt identification is crucial—a prolapse can quickly become life-threatening if it leads to infection or if other chickens begin pecking at the exposed tissue.

Immediate Actions to Take

If you see a prolapse, take swift action:

1. Isolate the Hen: Move her away from the flock to prevent pecking and further injury.
2. Clean the Area: Gently rinse the vent with warm saline or clean water. Avoid harsh disinfectants.
3. Assess the Tissue: If the tissue appears fresh and moist (pink or red), there's a better chance of successful treatment. Dry, blackened, or foul-smelling tissue may indicate necrosis and require veterinary care.
4. Reduce Swelling: Apply a water-based lubricant or a soothing antiseptic gel such as honey or haemorrhoid cream to reduce swelling.
5. Reposition the Prolapse: Using clean, gloved hands, gently push the prolapsed tissue back into the vent. Be patient—this may take a few tries.

Note: If you are uncertain or the prolapse is large, bleeding heavily, or recurs frequently, seek veterinary help immediately.

Ongoing Care

Once the tissue is back in place:

• Keep Her Isolated: Allow several days for healing in a quiet, dimly lit space to discourage laying.
• Limit Calcium and Protein: Temporarily reduce dietary calcium and high-protein feed to help pause laying.
• Monitor Closely: Check the vent multiple times a day for signs of recurrence.
• Use a Vent Guard (Optional): In persistent cases, some poultry keepers apply a lightweight, breathable dressing or support harness to help retain the tissue.

Causes and Prevention

Understanding the underlying cause can help prevent recurrence:

• Overweight Hens: Obesity increases strain during laying.
• Early Laying: Pullets that start laying too young may not be physically mature.
• Large or Double-Yolked Eggs: These are more likely to cause straining.
• Calcium Imbalance: Deficiencies can weaken muscle tone in the reproductive tract.
• Poor Ventilation or Lighting: Excessive light can overstimulate the reproductive cycle.

Prevention Tips

• Maintain a healthy weight in your flock through balanced feed.
• Avoid breeding from hens with a history of prolapse.
• Ensure young hens don’t begin laying too early by limiting light exposure until maturity.
• Provide adequate calcium (e.g., oyster shell) and fresh water.
• Collect eggs promptly to prevent hens from sitting for prolonged periods.

When to Call the Vet

Professional help is essential if:

• The prolapse is large or doesn’t stay in place
• Tissue is dark, damaged, or foul-smelling
• The hen shows signs of shock (pale comb, laboured breathing)
• The condition recurs frequently

Conclusion

Prolapse can be alarming, but with attentive care and prompt intervention, many hens make a full recovery. As always, prevention is better than cure—so keeping your flock healthy, well-fed, and carefully monitored goes a long way.

If you’re ever in doubt, consult an avian vet who can provide tailored advice and ensure the best outcome for your bird.