Another Buff Orp, swollen bottom, eggbound hen #2??

[chickenluv]

Thanks so much everyone!

I would like to get a necropsy done, but I really don't want to pay for one, and I guess I'll just have to wait and hope it doesn't happen to this next bird

. @ Wynette no, I really don't, I have over 70 chickens, its really hard to be able to know each chickens health. I wish I had less at times like this!

Now, THIS morning, I went out and found another lethargic hen sitting on the roost with a huge swollen bottom. I gave her two half-hour Epsom salt baths, massaged her bottom, put olive oil on it, but to no avail, she still hasn't popped an egg. Here's some pics, ( shes still wet from her bath) do you guys think this is egg bound or something else? I can't really feel an egg, her bottom just feels big and squishy. I've never seen a chicken bottom so huge and swollen!

 

[jjthink]

Katie - You may have too many birds to be able to notice their health problems in time. Not good. Now you have another urgent situation on your hands.

How long have you had your birds and what is their diet?

JJ

 

[chickenluv]

@jjthink I've had chickens for quite a while, and have only had minor, cureable issues with them, and only a few deaths in 9 yrs. This is the first time I've had an actual injury/severe sickness back to back. I try to check each bird when I let them out in the morning. And the first time I've been totally stumped at how to handle a problem. Do YOU know what's wrong with her?

I've had chickens for 9 years. This particular Buff Orp is almost 4yrs. They're free range, and they eat a corn/oats/protein mixture, Purina Layena chicken feed, oyster shell, I give them a vitamin supplement in their water, and an occasional suet treat. They're quite the spoiled bunch.

 

[dottie1111]

I am very sorry for your loss. on 031411 My buff Daisy died of a Heart attack thats what it appeared to be she had no apparent illness. I was putting her in the pen outside to free range and she fell on her side i went to see what was wrong she was flapping to get up and just fell on her side an died i reallly Miss her she was the most docile chicken I used to pick her up and hold her in my lap she would just sit there.

 

[Orchid]

It seems odd that you'd have the same symptoms in two hens two days in a row if it was internal laying - almost too coincidental, you know? Is it possible they were bitten by something, like a snake?

 

[jjthink]

I have over 70 chickens, its really hard to be able to know each chickens health.

Sorry OP but all we had to go on was your initial statement.

Do a search under "ascites" here on BYC and see what you think.

JJ​

 

[chickenluv]

Yes, it is hard sometimes. But that doesn't mean I'm not trying my best to see the problem before it becomes serious. I meant to add to that, that it is very difficult to know that many chickens egg laying patterns.

I did the search, thank you for the advice, when I first read it a few days ago I got quite a bit of liquid out of her with a syringe. She is doing much better.

 

[henney penny]

I hope someone can help you with this.

 

[ScottsSilkies]

I am so sorry for your loss. I have lost 2 buff orpington hens like that. I have found that if I do not keep a roo with them they do much better & rarely have that problem. Again, so sorry. It always hurts so bad to lose one.

 

[speckledhen]

This thread may be helpful to you. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=362422