So I have a hen who is a couple years old and has always been a very healthy active lady up until today. I didn’t notice any of my chickens showing signs of illness at all when I let them out this morning and gave them their food. All seemed normal. This afternoon I went down and noticed this hen had poop around her vent stuck in her feathers. Obviously I grabbed her which was far too easy, telling me that she obviously doesn’t feel good. Her abdomen is squishy. Almost feeling like a water balloon which i know is never good. Her crop also seems quite squishy like it’s full of fluid as well which I haven’t really seen before in any of my chickens. When she bent done to eat she picked her head up and kept swallowing as if there was fluid coming up. I know she most likely will not make it but I’m just wondering what causes this? Do I need to worry about my other chickens getting the same thing? I have obviously separated her and provided soft bedding and fresh soft food and water with some electrolytes as well as completely cleaning out my chicken coop and replacing the bedding for the rest of my flock but I’m not sure what else to do.
I had a chicken last year show similar symptoms with the squishy belly and she died two days after I noticed her symptoms despite my best effort to help her. I know birds can be very good at hiding their illness but I spend a lot of time with my chickens and seriously have not noticed her feeling down… I appreciate any help you can give. Thanks
I had a chicken last year show similar symptoms with the squishy belly and she died two days after I noticed her symptoms despite my best effort to help her. I know birds can be very good at hiding their illness but I spend a lot of time with my chickens and seriously have not noticed her feeling down… I appreciate any help you can give. Thanks