Rhcecil
Songster
Last week we lost a Rhode Island Red, who had been sick with other issues most of her adult life. We figured it was genetics. She was lethargic, and breathing heavy, and when examined she had a very bloated belly....but not like a water balloon as many other threads and websites describe. It felt like a balloon full of air, not fluid inside.
Well, we just discovered a Barred Rock with the same symptoms. She will be 3 years old in May, and has been the perfect example of a healthy chicken. Not obese. Free ranges. Plenty of space, not crowded at all. She has plenty of clean food and water. She is opening her mouth with every breath. No bleeding. No signs of broken bones. Pine chip bedding and some straw, clean coop.
We did watch her poop. Her poop did seem like it may have had a little yellow in it, but it was faint and hard to see if it was yolk, or maybe some grub she ate.
Our intent is to save her as long as it is practical.
Sorry, no pictures, she looks normal from the outside.
Well, we just discovered a Barred Rock with the same symptoms. She will be 3 years old in May, and has been the perfect example of a healthy chicken. Not obese. Free ranges. Plenty of space, not crowded at all. She has plenty of clean food and water. She is opening her mouth with every breath. No bleeding. No signs of broken bones. Pine chip bedding and some straw, clean coop.
We did watch her poop. Her poop did seem like it may have had a little yellow in it, but it was faint and hard to see if it was yolk, or maybe some grub she ate.
Our intent is to save her as long as it is practical.
Sorry, no pictures, she looks normal from the outside.
