Bottom Heavy Bird - Overweight or Something else?

[UrbanChick35456]

I have a bantam that stays mostly inside. She goes out daily in warmer months and stays in our home in the winter (we have other strictly-outdoor chickens, she is a special case). Over the past month or two, I noticed her gait change to a waddle and she feels bigger in her bum and sometimes seems to be breathing heavier than normal. Other than that she seems like herself.... I thought maybe water belly, but the area feels more firm than water-balloon-like and I thought may be she's just needs a little diet. I feel like she is bottom heavy, though - I can feel her keel bone in the chest. I'm getting hung up on whether I should be able to feel that bone if she's just overweight.

**Can chickens be bottom heavy in their weight gain or is this a sign of something else? (Note: she doesn't really ever lay eggs since being treated for something years ago) I think she may be 5 years old?

I thank you in advance for your kind suggestions.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

If you have photos that would be great
From your description- the waddle, heavy belly, heavier breathing, etc., I would suspect that she may have a reproductive problem. Sadly, Internal laying, EYP, Salpingitis, cancer or tumors can be common in hens.

It's possible that she may have some fluid in the abdomen that can be drained to give some respiratory relief, but often times egg masses/tumors, etc. can also press upon the internal organs which makes breathing difficult as well.

If you have vet care that is always best.

 

[UrbanChick35456]

I made an appointment for tomorrow morning - thank you.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Please let us know what you find out.

 

[UrbanChick35456]

It was water belly after all! I'm thankful I went to the vet to get it sorted.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It was water belly after all! I'm thankful I went to the vet to get it sorted.

Was the vet able to drain her?

 

[UrbanChick35456]

Yes - he pulled out a little over 60cc and he said there was more in there, but he didn't want to shock her system so he just told me to keep an eye on her. It was icky brown fluid.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yes - he pulled out a little over 60cc and he said there was more in there, but he didn't want to shock her system so he just told me to keep an eye on her. It was icky brown fluid.

Oh dear, that doesn't sound good
Did your vet prescribe any antibiotics?

Hopefully the draining will make her more comfortable.
You may also be interested in offering her further supportive care as outlined
in THIS POST.
Most of the time, there is an underlying condition which is causing the fluid to buildup, whether organ failure or reproductive problems, it's hard to know.

 

[UrbanChick35456]

Yes - we're doing a drop of Baytril twice a day for 7 days and he provided a supplement for extra nutrition support. Her name is Peepers

 

[chickens really]

Yes - we're doing a drop of Baytril twice a day for 7 days and he provided a supplement for extra nutrition support. Her name is Peepers

She looks fine to me...