Australorp hen will not stand for more than a minute or so

[Kelinpk]

Hello everyone. This is my first time posting. I have an australorp hen that will not stand for more then a minute or so. I’ve given her many once overs. No broken, healing, or healed bones. No comb discoloration. No external mites/bugs etc. She is eating, drinking, and pooping just fine. She used to run for treats now she will stand out of curiosity and sit back down. She still puts herself away at night but I have to remove her from the house in the morning. Unfortunately she has been like this going on three months. We do not have a vet in my area that treats chickens. I’m not really sure what’s up with her. I have kept her away from the other chickens in the flock in case of disease. No other chickens seem to have any problems. Although she has no interest in the other chickens, indifferent I’d say. She is one of two australorps I have, same age about 4-5 years old. The other hen is in perfect health, though has taken on some visible rooster characteristics within the past 4 months (spurs and a larger comb). The “sick” australorp is alert, and as I said eats, drinks, poops, cleans her self, just won’t stand long and doesn’t really move all day. She also pants, I know they do this if they are too hot or under stress. Any info, advice, or pointers would be appreciated. I would hate to have to put her down as she’s still functioning in all other aspects.

 

[Kelinpk]

 

[Kelinpk]

This is my baby girl, Blackness.

 

[Shezadandy]

Have you checked her abdomen for fluid? Like the lowest point-- compare her abdomen to your other chickens. A lot of time they have something started- whatever the cause- and then the fluid builds up to the point where it starts to shut everything else down- taking up room the heart and lungs need to operate- known officially as
ascites.

This is the best video I've found if she does have waterbelly aka ascities with directions and good common sense way to do it- with 14 or 16 gauge needle- bigger needle means it's easier for the fluid to drain- one poke - not like some others where they poke them a bunch of times with a tiny needle with a tiny syringe. Usually that size needle can be found in the cattle section if she does have it. If the link doesn't work enter "You won't believe what came out of this hen" and it should come up.

 

[Kelinpk]

Thank you so much for your reply. I realize now that I did it include that kind of info. She is a healthy weight, has no masses of any kind, her abdomen and gizzard are normal, not squishy. Gizzard fills and empties as it should.

 

[Kelinpk]

Have you checked her abdomen for fluid? Like the lowest point-- compare her abdomen to your other chickens. A lot of time they have something started- whatever the cause- and then the fluid builds up to the point where it starts to shut everything else down- taking up room the heart and lungs need to operate- known officially as
ascites.

This is the best video I've found if she does have waterbelly aka ascities with directions and good common sense way to do it- with 14 or 16 gauge needle- bigger needle means it's easier for the fluid to drain- one poke - not like some others where they poke them a bunch of times with a tiny needle with a tiny syringe. Usually that size needle can be found in the cattle section if she does have it. If the link doesn't work enter "You won't believe what came out of this hen" and it should come up.

I just checked her again and her abdomen is perfect shape and size, no issues. I also checked her vent again and it’s clean and reacts as it should.