Americana birds

[Gene Kanten]

I have loss so many of my Americana chickens to the building up of fluid around there stomach and they head up suffocating. I have drained the fluid successfully a few times and extended the birds time. But why is this happening and why with this breed? Is it something I am feeding them? Layers mesh.
Just hope someone can spread some light on this.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have loss so many of my Americana chickens to the building up of fluid around there stomach and they head up suffocating. I have drained the fluid successfully a few times and extended the birds time. But why is this happening and why with this breed? Is it something I am feeding them? Layers mesh.
Just hope someone can spread some light on this.

How old are the birds when they die?

Is layers mash the only thing you feed?
What's the source of the chickens - do you hatch yourself, are they hatchery, from a breeder, etc.?
Where are you located in the world?

A couple of causes of fluid in the abdomen (Ascites) are organ dysfunction and reproductive disorders, but the only way to find out the main cause would be through necropsy when you lose a the bird. Sending the body to your state lab will give you the best information.

 

[Gene Kanten]

How old are the birds when they die?

Is layers mash the only thing you feed?
What's the source of the chickens - do you hatch yourself, are they hatchery, from a breeder, etc.?
Where are you located in the world?

A couple of causes of fluid in the abdomen (Ascites) are organ dysfunction and reproductive disorders, but the only way to find out the main cause would be through necropsy when you lose a the bird. Sending the body to your state lab will give you the best information.

Live in MN. Buy from a hatchery. Yes layer madh only, plus fruits, vegetables and meal worm. Closest poultry vet is 2 hours away.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Live in MN. Buy from a hatchery. Yes layer madh only, plus fruits, vegetables and meal worm. Closest poultry vet is 2 hours away.

If you lose another, you can ship the carcass to your lab for testing.
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm