[Ange69]

Hi i'm a newbie here.

I noticed my 3 year old hen was unwell yesterday, when it was time to lock them up for the night, she hadn't gone in to roost as normal and we found her huddled in the childrens playhouse. (the children hadn't been in the garden)

This morning she came out of her house walked slowly across the garden and just sat down on the grass .

I have checked her over and she appears to have a 2" diameter red swelling below her vent (she is not prolapsed).

She doesn't lay often anymore, probably only twice a week.

I dont think my vet is experienced with hens...

What can i do??

[joyfull]

she may have a soft shelled egg on the way which does make them off colour for a few days. However, feel to see if she has a temperature - by feeling under her wing and then with the same hand feel under a wing of one of your other girls.
Could you take a photo of her swelling and post it on here to give us a better idea? thanks.

[Ange69]

she does seem to have a temperature.

i've tried to post a pic several times but the image is too big and don't know how to reduce it!

[helens-hens]

Hi there

I have seen people on the forum recommending 'pixresizer' which will reduce the the number of pixels in the image and make it easier to  upload. I haven't tried it but found this:
http://pixresizer.en.softonic.com/

If she has a temperature then it sounds as though she has some sort of infection and so may need antibiotics. Which area do you live in - there may be a poultry friendly vet somewhere close to you.

[Ange69]

I'm in south staffordshire, I've looked for a chicken vet before but not been successful.

[helens-hens]

Hi - have you looked at this list:
http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=26140.0

There is one in Biddulph but don't know how close that would be for you.

[Ange69]

Thank you all for your advice, Hetty passed away this afternoon.

She was 3 years old and until yesterday had a lovely life free ranging in my back garden with her friends and being treated as she deserved.  I'm glad she didn't suffer for long.

RIP Hetty x

[joyfull]

so sorry, but yes it sounds like you gave her a wonderful life 

[jhub]

So sorry, there seems to be so many similar stories at present. She had a lovely life.