Ex Bat with enlarged fluid filled abdomen.

Hi, Can anyone help me? I have an ex bat who I have had for 2years nearly. She has always been very healthyand happy. She still appears happy, eating her mash and handful of corn in the afternoons. She is free range and runs with two other ex bats and a very bossy pekin bantam. Yesterday I noticed she looked like she was carrying a very low under carriage, on further inspection she has a very enlarged abdomen which feels full of fluid. I cant feel any thing in there other than fluid. She was'nt bothered by my inspection at all. I have;nt noticed any odd looking poo. I am quite worried as I have not had this problem before. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance I know you are a knowledgable lot!!

Thank you!! Will ring them Now

Yes DizzyLizzie I did. Unfortunatley my poor little girl went down hill very quickly so the vet and I agreed to stop her suffering. The vet was not able to make a diagnosis ( My vets are not very good with chickens) but I am sure you were right. I feel sad but I know that she had two really happy years with us. She felt the sun on her back, rain on her feathers and was able to act like a normal hen.  Thank you for your quick response you helped to save her suffering.

If it ever happens again, the vet can aspirate the fluid from the abdomen, using a needle, and follow with a course of antibiotics.

Sorry to hear your girl didn't make it 

I had this a week or so ago and with mine an egg had broken inside her and became infected. The smell and bright yellow poos quickly alerted me, she had the low undercarriage and swollen abdomen.  My vet's very good with hens and she got treatment right away and she recovered, so it's worth getting the hen treated asap as they go down hill very quickly. My girl is two years old too