Chicken abdomen like water balloon

[chalidobrenz]

There's yolk around her vent, and she's been pooping little poops like she's trying to pass something. I know she's trying and she's fighting so hard which is what absolutely kills me.

 

[ClaireDL]

I don't blame you on wanting to try, I'd be the same way...She's only 2!...Good luck

 

[Eggcessive]

Some many deal with the issue of internal laying. I don't know a great deal about it since not many vets treat chickens and share their knowledge. There are a few different issues with the reproductive tract causing similar symptoms. Below are some excerpts from The Merck Veterinary Manual defining some of the terms used:


Internal Layer (Poultry)

In these hens, partially or fully formed eggs are found in the abdominal cavity. Such eggs reach the cavity by reverse peristalsis of the oviduct. If they have no shell, they are often misshapen because of partial or complete absorption of the contents. Frequently, only empty shell membranes are present. No control or treatment is known. This condition is related to erratic ovulation and defective egg syndrome (see Defective or Abnormal Eggs in Poultry).
False Layer (Poultry)
These hens ovulate normally, but the yolk is dropped into the abdominal cavity rather than being collected by the oviduct because of inflammation and resulting obstruction of the oviduct after infection with Escherichia coli or Mycoplasma gallisepticum. The yolk is absorbed from the abdominal cavity. The hen looks like a normal layer but does not produce eggs. Hypoplasia of the ovary and oviduct has been associated with infectious bronchitis virus infections (see Infectious Bronchitis) at an early age (1–2 wk). Atresia or even atrophy of the ovary are caused by severe stress, chronic infections, insufficient feed intake, inadequate feeder space, and feed refusal due to mycotoxins in the feed.
Egg Peritonitis in Poultry

Egg peritonitis is characterized by fibrin or albumen-like material with a cooked appearance among the abdominal viscera. It is a common cause of sporadic death in layers or breeder hens, but in some flocks may become the major cause of death before or after reaching peak production and give the appearance of a contagious disease. It is diagnosed at necropsy. Peritonitis follows reverse movement of albumen and Escherichia coli bacteria from the oviduct into the abdomen. If the incidence is high, culture should be done to differentiate between Pasteurella (fowl cholera) or Salmonella infection. Antibiotic treatment of peritonitis caused by E coli infections is usually ineffective. Management of body weight and uniformity, reproductive development (ovary follicle growth and maturation), and drinking water sanitation are the best preventive strategies.
When hens have too many large ovarian follicles, a problem described as erratic oviposition and defective egg syndrome (EODES) is seen in broiler breeders. This condition is accompanied by a high incidence of double-yolked eggs, prolapses of the oviduct, internal ovulation, and/or internal laying that often results in egg peritonitis and mortality. EODES is prevented by avoiding light stimulation of underweight pullets too early and by following guidelines for body weight and uniformity, and lighting recommendations for each breeder strain. Overweight hens may also have a higher incidence of erratic ovulations and mortality associated with egg peritonitis.

 

[chalidobrenz]

It's like internal laying. Don't know what to do for the poor gal. Hoping that getting her insides calmed down helps her to get it all out. I know the chances are slim, but I owe it to her to try.

My heart is just broken for this girl. She still purrs at me (quieter than usual) and I know she's looking to me to do something, and I just can't. It's such a helpless feeling. I'm terribly sad.

 

[chalidobrenz]

She seems to be rallying a bit. She is perky this morning, no new fluid accumulation, just what was there, and her tail is up. She's eating watermelon, yogurt, and scratch, as well as some oatmeal with her food mixed in. She's otherwise sort of uninterested in her food at the moment. But whatever she will eat, I'll give her at this point. Making her some eggs here shortly.

 

[chalidobrenz]

My little chicken is still alive. She's gained some weight, but she's still SO skinny. Breast bone is protruding. She's sitting with me right now enjoying a treat of spaghetti. She's still eating pretty ravenously, so that's good! She's still not super interested in her food. But she's eating scrambled eggs, watermelon, night crawlers, raisins, plain greek yogurt, spaghetti, and a little scratch. Trying to get her to eat whatever. I think she would eat her food if that's all that was available, but she's so skinny that I don't really want to chance it. For now, I'll give her all the love and treats she wants! Hoping for the best! Vet should be calling today.

 

[Eggcessive]

It's good that she is eating well for you. Chickens will readily eat tuna, salmon, liver, and hamburger for extra protein. It will probably take her some time to regain some of her weight, but it sounds like you are doing all you can.

 

[frontyard chickens]

My little chicken is still alive. She's gained some weight, but she's still SO skinny. Breast bone is protruding. She's sitting with me right now enjoying a treat of spaghetti. She's still eating pretty ravenously, so that's good! She's still not super interested in her food. But she's eating scrambled eggs, watermelon, night crawlers, raisins, plain greek yogurt, spaghetti, and a little scratch. Trying to get her to eat whatever. I think she would eat her food if that's all that was available, but she's so skinny that I don't really want to chance it. For now, I'll give her all the love and treats she wants! Hoping for the best! Vet should be calling today.

I know it's been many years, but, did your sweet little hen ever recover from this? <3