Chicken has a swollen back end???

[SCchickens2011]

one of my chickens has a pronounced swollen rear end. She walks "bowlegged" becuase it's so big. She appears to be pooping because she has poop on whats left of her butt feathers however, most of them are gone. What could it be???

 

[Eggcessive]

It could be one of the reproductive disorders such as internal laying, egg yolk peritonitis, cancer, or ascites (water belly.) They can walk like a penguin, or walk a few steps and sit down much of the time. How does her weight feel when you pick her up? Is her lower belly swollen , spongy, or tight like it is filled with water? I haven't treated this but here are some links to read to help you decide if this might be the problem:
http://www.chickenvet.co.uk/health-and-common-diseases/egg-laying-issues/index.aspx
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/526089/egg-yolk-peritonitis
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/362422/drained-a-hens-abdomen-rest-in-peace-olivia-11-5-10
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/195347/my-ivy-latest-relapse-shes-gone

 

[SCchickens2011]

i should add that i did notice soft eggs in the coop the past couple days. two to be exact over the last week. I will get some antibitotic today and try that with her. she doesn't seem to be in any discomfort, she is currently foraging in the yard with her coop mates.

 

[cafarmgirl]

i should add that i did notice soft eggs in the coop the past couple days. two to be exact over the last week. I will get some antibitotic today and try that with her. she doesn't seem to be in any discomfort, she is currently foraging in the yard with her coop mates.

Antibiotic's may help, temporarily, IF there is infection present. Most of the time once infection sets in they feel and act unwell. Other then that, how well she does and how long she lives depends on what the underlying cause is. The swollen abdomen is most likely ascites that has developed due to whatever is going on with her, Eggcessive mentioned those things already. It can build up to the point where it is hard for them to breath and hard for the heart to function well. Draining the fluid can help make them much more comfortable and may extend their life expectancy, again depends on the cause. A visit to an avian vet and an x-ray can tell you what's going on in there and how best to manage it and keep her comfortable.

 

[SCchickens2011]

Don't have an avian vet around my parts. Guess i'll see where she goes from here. I will do the antibiotics and if nothing else i guess cull her.