[westview]

Hi there - I do hope someone out there may have some advice for me regarding Barbara my exbat hen. 
I've had Barbara for about 2 years now, most of which she's been very healthy and has grown back all her lovely feathers.  She did go through a spell about 8 months ago when she was under the weather and I suspected egg peritonitis but thankfully after a good bath, lots of tlc she bounced back from this mystery illness.
Since then I've lost another 2 hens (heart attack and egg peritonitis) and am now left with just the 2.  Since the last death 2 months ago Barbara has ballooned in size?  I've stopped all treats (apart from a v small handful of mixed corn in the pm) so she only has access to her exbat pellets and water along with her companion Frizzle (also exbat - looking in her prime).
Barbara waddles along with what looks like a big under carriage and he legs splayed apart.  She's been like this for about 4/5 weeks now, she's eating, drinking and pooing normal.  They have a large run between them and I generally let them wander all round garden and house a couple of times a week.  Her wattle is a bit dark and small but that's not unusual for her as she doesn't lay anymore. 
I'm getting quite worried about her as sometimes if she has to make a turn in a small space she nearly falls over.
Would anyone have an idea what this could be?

[ANHBUC]

It sounds like she could be egg bound but if she hasn't been laying for a long time I don't think that would apply. 

Hopefully a more experienced member will give you more advice.  Have you checked what her abdomen feels like and does her breath smell or any other symptoms which may give more idea of what is wrong.  It may be best for a trip to the vet if you have a poultry friendly vet.

[angelavdavis]

It sounds suspiciously like a tumour I am afraid.  I have lost four of my ex-batts over the years to tumours which older birds are prone to. 

They tend to take on this stance when the tumour starts getting too big for them.  If you pick up the hen, her tummy will feel fairly solid which is a sure sign.

The first one I experienced I probably left too long before taking to a vet, having tried the warm bath, etc thinking she might be egg-bound. 

How are the colour of her wattles and comb?  In its advanced stages, they may start going purple and she will become disinterested in food.  If she is still eating OK and running around, then you will be OK leaving it.  Once her quality of life really becomes affected, she will have to be euthanized. 

I hope she is just egg bound and can be treated by the vet but I hate to say it doesn't sound good.

[westview]

Hi there, thanks for your advice Angela - I did wonder about a tumour, it's about the only thing left I haven't experienced with my exbatts.  It seems so cruel, they go through all they did in the beginning and then end up with so many ailments as a result!
I think i"ll take her to the vet tomorrow and get it confirmed - I'll then just keep an eye on her and at the first sign of illness I'll send my oh up the garden to do the deed.
She's my oldest batt - its going to be a very sad day 

[angelavdavis]

I really feel for you - I proper sobbed when my first ex-batt had to be put down at the vets (my hubby is a city-boy - not getting him to do the deed!). x

[Dopey113]

   
Hen walks like John Wayne??

The hell he duz... Pilgrim