[massa]

hi, i have a chicken with a swollen stomach, noticed it slightly yesterday, it looked like she had big bloomers on, but today it is bigger and almost to the floor! background info, she is an ex bat hen i got roughly 10 months so not exactly sure on her age etc. never had any health problems before, no mites etc i have checked this and all other chooks seem fine. she is not off her food or seem in any discomfort etc she still running for treats! and eating well, swelling is low down between her legs towards vent area, no discharge from vent but is a little mucky below, looks as if excrement cant drop onto floor so has ran down! feathers are missing a few on stomach could have rubbed on floor. other than this she seems alert and happy. will try and upload a pic later hope this is enough info! thanks matt.

[OpiumEater]

I'd take her to a vet, but then my husband says I mollycoddle them. I'd be concerned about growths.

[Aunt Sally]

Her abdomen may be full of fluid. 

This happens to laying hens when an egg yolk slips into the body cavity rather than go into the falopian tube.  It sets up a peritonitis which, as she still seems happy, is probably sterile but may soon become infected.  She would then be suffering and in a lot of pain.

A vet can draw off a little of the fluid to see what's going on inside now and may advise antibiotics and drawing off the fluid or euthanasia if the fluid is infected.