8 mo old area Aracauna bloated and walking funny

[desertrider]

We have an 8-9 month old Aracauna that has developed a swollen lower body that looks like she is full of water or lots of extra Fluid. She has not started laying yet. Her belly is dragging the ground like a pregnant animal. Could she be full of eggs without the shells and not able to get them out? I don't want to put her down, any ideas?

 

[Sarevan]

Morning! Can you post a pic of what she looks like from the backend?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...full-water-balloon-read-this/10#post_12734328

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...scites-and-eyp-very-graphic-necropsy-pictures


I am sorry you and your hen are going through this, I look at it as a learning experience and know what to ask or look for later when something else comes up.

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC! ​

Can you take her to a vet?

-Kathy

 

[desertrider]

Thanks for all the info! Based on the information I'm sure it's ascites. It fits every symptom perfectly. There aren't any vets around here that work on chickens and it would be cost prohibitive., so we may have to let her go and pick up a few more at the feed store. Thanks for all the info!

 

[Eggcessive]

Ascites may be a symptom of heart failure or liver disease. Sorry about your chicken.

 

[casportpony]

Thanks for all the info! Based on the information I'm sure it's ascites. It fits every symptom perfectly. There aren't any vets around here that work on chickens and it would be cost prohibitive., so we may have to let her go and pick up a few more at the feed store. Thanks for all the info!

You could try draining the fluid, sometimes that will help. I have some pictures that show how if you're interested, it's very easy.

-Kathy