Clear fluid in abdomen

[KDrake]

We have a 3-4 year old ISA brown. She started acting sick a few days ago. Yesterday, it was very obvious that her abdomen is full of fluid. My first thought is water belly, so I took a syringe and drained a little bit. It was clear fluid.

Any ideas? I stopped draining and kept her inside overnight. She is the same this morning. Eating and drinking a little bit. I'm thinking we're going to have to cull her tonight if I can't help her

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry no one replied, I'm just now seeing this.

Did you end up having to put her down?

Fluid in the abdomen (Ascites) can range in color - clear is likely from laying internally (see both links below from fellow BYC member's descriptions). Draining the fluid slowly may make her more comfortable for a period of time.
Supportive care after draining can be tried with detox but both draining and detox are supportive measure and won't cure the underlying cause of the fluid accumulating in the abdomen.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/sick-chicken-with-big-belly.1204480/post-19098784
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-with-abdominal-infection.1250631/post-20099412

 

[KDrake]

I'm sorry no one replied, I'm just now seeing this.

Did you end up having to put her down?

Fluid in the abdomen (Ascites) can range in color - clear is likely from laying internally (see both links below from fellow BYC member's descriptions). Draining the fluid slowly may make her more comfortable for a period of time.
Supportive care after draining can be tried with detox but both draining and detox are supportive measure and won't cure the underlying cause of the fluid accumulating in the abdomen.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/sick-chicken-with-big-belly.1204480/post-19098784
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/chicken-with-abdominal-infection.1250631/post-20099412

Thank you for responding!

Unfortunately, she passed away on Sunday night. I feel terrible that we didn't put her out of her misery earlier. I knew she wasn't going to get better, but just tried to make her as comfortable as I could.

I know it's just a part of owning chickens, but it doesn't get easier when they die.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you for responding!

Unfortunately, she passed away on Sunday night. I feel terrible that we didn't put her out of her misery earlier. I knew she wasn't going to get better, but just tried to make her as comfortable as I could.

I know it's just a part of owning chickens, but it doesn't get easier when they die.

I'm sorry about your hen

You're right, it's never easy

 

[JustBabyMargo]

Thank you for responding!

Unfortunately, she passed away on Sunday night. I feel terrible that we didn't put her out of her misery earlier. I knew she wasn't going to get better, but just tried to make her as comfortable as I could.

I know it's just a part of owning chickens, but it doesn't get easier when they die.

I’m sorry she passed away. Sounds like you did what you could. I’m glad she died comfortably and in a loving place. Hope you feel better soon.

 

[Zmajor]

Thank you for responding!

Unfortunately, she passed away on Sunday night. I feel terrible that we didn't put her out of her misery earlier. I knew she wasn't going to get better, but just tried to make her as comfortable as I could.

I know it's just a part of owning chickens, but it doesn't get easier when they die.

Hi KDrake, I’m so sorry to hear about your hen. I think I’m dealing with something very similar as I also pulled out clear liquid and she’s not doing much better the next day. How did her last few days go? Would you recommend culling given what you know now from the experience? Or was her passing peaceful and unexpected?

Sorry for the hard questions, I’m just very interested to learn and struggling with culling my first sick gal.