Chicken walking like a penguin

[trailblazn]

Well I noticed my chicken walking like a penguin today, watched her for awhile. Thought it might be an empacted egg. I picked her up to feel the lump between her legs and it's soft. I don't know what it is. Any help appreciated. I am a chicken newbie. Thanks.

 

[7L Farm]

This would probably do better in the Emergency section. Sounds like she's egg bound. Could be a soft shelled egg in her.

 

[terryg]

There are many reasons why a hen will "walk like a penguin." The first step when you have a possible illness is to isolate the bird. (I have how to deduce illness on this FAQ http://www.hencam.com/henblog/diagnosing-a-sick-chicken/) That way you can monitor what goes in and what come out, and protect the other hens from possible contagion.

I've had hens with bottoms that feel like water balloons. Some have died, and I did necropsies. Some are still living! Many things can cause fluid build-up, including ascites, peritonitis, internal laying and cancer. Sometimes, TLC, a warm sitz bath, and some olive oil can relieve symptoms. Obviously, for the more serious ailments, that won't work.

Some hens can live with squishy abdomens for a long time. It's hard to tell if a chicken is suffering. This might help.
http://www.hencam.com/henblog/2011/05/when-to-euthanize-a-chicken/

 

[trailblazn]

thanks for the info. i will try to look more into it today and give her a soaking. it is soft so i don't know if it is fluid or egg impaction.