This message was posted by Sianyparf, a new member.

hi i m new to this site dont know how this site works but i need some help and advice about my chickens and dont know where to go!!!

I have three warren hens all laying since august last year but have noticed this eveing that one of them have blood coming from her rear end quite a lot of blood, shes still laying and as far as ive seen she s not off her food the other two seem to be pecking at her especially at the rear end and she runs into the coop to hide we had another one the same about six weeks ago but she died i dont know who i can ask?? any advi

I'm assuming that your hen is bleeding from the vent area from what you describe (Cloacal haemorrhage).  Firstly, separating her from the others is essential.  Keep her somewhere warm and quiet where she can't be pecked at or harrassed by your other chickens.

Is she definitely laying - there's no chance she could be egg bound is there? A warm bath may help shift the egg and, if necessary a bit of assistance with some lubricant such as vegetable oil or KY jelly.  If the egg can't be shifted, it will need to be broken internally but you'll may need to speak with your vet as I would imagine that anti-biotic cover may be needed.  She's probably in some degree of shock already with the blood loss, so a chat with your vet is a good idea anyway

Can you see where the bleeding is coming from - bathing with warm water may soothe the area anyway and give you an opportunity for a good look to see what's going on exactly.  She could have a prolapse that may just need gently pushing back in place.  Things may look a lot worse than they actually are because the other hens have been pecking at her.

Good luck - let us know how you get on

hi i no this may sound strange but has she layrd a large egg in the lastfew days as i no this can cause bleeding, just a thought xxx

sorry i meant layed  lol x

Yes - if she's laying eggs that are too big for her physically, then she will have been straining a lot - this can cause a prolapse/sagging of the oviduct, which the other hens will usually start pecking at.

Unfortunately, from what I understand, prolapses are difficult to permanently resolve - if you push it back in, it often will pop out again very soon after.  Without wishing to sound too negative, a hen with such a recurring problem may need putting to sleep, for their own sake    Let's hope yours is OK soon.