chicken not laying for 8 months, has swollen droopy abdomen

[Lizzie7132]

we have a 2 1/2 year old white leghorn who was always our best layer. She molted last October (almost a year ago) and has never layed again. She has seemed fine and healthy. We noticed a few months ago that her abdomen looked a title big, but honestly it wasn't something that was a concern. She has started roosting outside the coop at night and starting pooping in one of the nesting boxes. we looked more closely at her backend today. She had some dried poop, but nothing blocking her vent. we put her in a warm bath and cleaned her up a bit, but we felt her abdomen and it hangs very low and was firm -- probably the size of an orange. she seems otherwise healthy. Her comb and waddle are nice bright red and is eating and drinking fine. we are concerned about this mass in her abdomen! Any advice is appreciated.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. It sounds like she may be an internal layer or be suffering from ascites (fluid in her belly.) Those, along with egg yolk peritonitis, are some common reproductive disorders in laying hens. If you Google "egg yolk peritonitis" or do a search for that at the top of this page, you will find many good articles and threads about those maladies.

 

[Lizzie7132]

Thank you. We will do some more research!