Ascites

[AustralorpLover1004]

I have a hen with ascites and I’m going to drain it tomorrow. I went to the store and got needles and syringes. I have read that a 20 ga 1/2 in needles works best, but they were out of stock, so I just just got 20 ga x 3/4 in. Is this needle still okay to use?

 

[ChicNmom]

I think so. If you're concerned then maybe just put it in up to where a half inch would end.

 

[Eggcessive]

Many people use 18 gauge or even 16 if they can get them. The larger the bore, the easier it is for the fluid to exit. The length is not that important, but it should be long enough to puncture the abdomen. Be sure to disinfect the skin. Here in post 42 it shows an 18 gauge 1 inch needle in place:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/laying-hens-with-water-belly-or-ascites.68731/page-5

 

[Isaac 0]

Here is your other thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/ascites.1440351/

 

[AustralorpLover1004]

Thank you all!

 

[Baldwin]

I have a very young hen, less than 3 months old. She has what I assume is fluid beneath where a healthy, full crop would be. I guess ascites because it feels like a water or air bladder/balloon under the skin. Like a blister :/

I imagine we'll drain as per videos and advice here.

She's never been strong and more a house chicken than for a coop because she seems lackadaisical, not vigorous but the sweetest happy little chirp.

Does anyone know why this happens? We've had chicken over 12 years, and I've not encountered this. Someone mentioned too much protein/kidney problems.

She also has foul-smelling, runny stool

 

[AustralorpLover1004]

I have a very young hen, less than 3 months old. She has what I assume is fluid beneath where a healthy, full crop would be. I guess ascites because it feels like a water or air bladder/balloon under the skin. Like a blister :/

I imagine we'll drain as per videos and advice here.

She's never been strong and more a house chicken than for a coop because she seems lackadaisical, not vigorous but the sweetest happy little chirp.

Does anyone know why this happens? We've had chicken over 12 years, and I've not encountered this. Someone mentioned too much protein/kidney problems.

She also has foul-smelling, runny stool

From what i read, most of the time it’s caused by liver failure which leaks a yellowish fluid. My hen had the same stool condition you mentioned. I added apple cider vinegar to the water and washed her vent area pretty much every day, snipped away any really icky feathers. I also let her munch on some plain Greek yogurt. It seemed to help a lot and now her bottom is all nice and clean

 

[Baldwin]

Thanks for your reply! Her stool (whatever it's called in hens) cleared up, too?

Also, might it go away if there isn't an underlying organ failure/issue? Sigh.

Oh, yes, some water/liquid dripping from her beak every so often today.

 

[AustralorpLover1004]

Thanks for your reply! Her stool (whatever it's called in hens) cleared up, too?

Also, might it go away if there isn't an underlying organ failure/issue? Sigh.

Oh, yes, some water/liquid dripping from her beak every so often today.

I’m not sure if it’ll go away on it’s own... since the liquid doesn’t really have any place to go.

I believe the liquid coming from the beak is a symptom of sour crop. Not 100% sure, I’d probably ask around or research more on that one!

 

[Baldwin]

I’m not sure if it’ll go away on it’s own... since the liquid doesn’t really have any place to go.

I believe the liquid coming from the beak is a symptom of sour crop. Not 100% sure, I’d probably ask around or research more on that one!

After reading and searching, sour crop might be a better fit. The affected area is where the crop is, and she is expelling bits of liquid now and again. She's definitely perked up from eating. She does NOT look like the ascites photos of the distended lower abdomen.