[Mischief]

Hi all

I have a problem with one of my hybrids. About a week ago she started hunching over and a couple of days ago I noticed she has a huge swollen tummy. She was eating and drinking fine but didn't walk anywhere and was accidentally left out of her coop as we hadn't noticed she wasn't in.....I've brought her indoors and she still had an appetite and was drinking well. On the advise of a friend who has many chickens...we haven't given her food all day...and have been advised not to feed her for a couple of days, just provide water and keep a close eye on her.

She is normally a greedy chicken and ate a lot of bread prior to this problem. Does anyone think if this could be the problem  or could there be another cause.....

[karlooben]

hi mischief , your girl could be egg bound i would suggest you get her to a vet quickly  hopfully someone else with more experience will be along  shortly who will know more 

[Foxy]

Hello Mischief, you mention a swollen tummy, where exactly is it swollen?

Crop area

abdomen - (between legs)
If here is she waddling? is the swelling hot to the touch, swelling soft or a bit firm? Handle very gently and err on the side of caution here in case you think she has an egg in transit that has got a bit stuck.

Have you any idea when she last laid, indeed if she in lay?
Any problems with her breathing, specifically breathlessness or panting.

[Mischief]

Hi

Many thanks for your replies.....its her abdomen that seems to be swollen....she hasn't laid an egg for months now so I'm not sure if that would be the problem. She doesn't appear to be panting or having trouble breathing. I had her on my knee last night and she's happy to be handled. She had the feathers around her vent trimmed a couple of days ago in case that was causing problems...... she's still drinking fine but curls her 'toes' up and appears to have problems walking because of her tummy. any ideas??

thanks again

[Foxy]

OK it sounds like her abdomen is full of fluid -if she is not hot then that's good. She will need vet treatment to drain her abdomen as it sounds like peritonitis (sterile)

[Mischief]

Hi Foxy...just had a feel of her swollen tummy and its very warm......not hot exactly....but would that change what the problem may be? (thanks for all your help)

[Foxy]

It means that the fluid in her abdomen is probably infected, this is where the warmth comes from. She is on anti-biotics still?
There is also a possibility that she has a tumour/s in her abdomen not uncommon unfortunately with exbatts.

[Mischief]

Hi, many thanks for all your replies....sadly my hen was given a special 'hug' and sent to the chicken hotel in the sky as she deteriorated very quickly. I have no idea of her history and did not want her to suffer.....thanks again

[Foxy]

So sorry Mischief   

[janet12000]

bye bye xxxx and sorry. 

[22fox]

Im sorry to say but you should of taken it to the vet!

[hillfooter]

I must say I've just read this post and my immediate thought was this chicken needs a vet but to be honest you were probably on a loser from the off as the symptoms didn't sound too hopeful.  Speed is of the essence in such cases and even then by the time you notice the symptoms if it's peritonitus (non sterile) it's probably too late so don't blame yourself.
HF

[Caralou]

I think by the sounds of things that between the first post and the chook having a special hug she was taken to the vets/put on anti-bs for the infection

Sorry the little one didnt make it Mischief x

[Ice]

Im sorry to say but you should of taken it to the vet!

22fox, we pride ourselves on being a "friendly" forum and your post was anything but.  Please take time to make a considered and useful comment rather than an instant condemnation.

By the way, it's "should have", not "should of". 

[22fox]

ok ice point taken! Ill leave it there! Don't want russel some more feathers! I think a few people would agree with me tho! Or is just me! As chook keepers we learn from experience!!