chickens with swollen belly

[Squishychicken]

I got some birds recently and have noticed that one has a swollen abdomen. not full of liquid but firmer. when we got her she layed a shell less egg. she is active not lethargic, eyes are bright no other symptoms. I don't know what the former owner feed them but I'm sure it was layer feed. she eats and drinks normal and is active. any ideas on what to do?

 

[azygous]

Many older hens accumulate fat just under the vent area. That's one explanation for the swelling. Another is an inflammation of the oviduct in spite of the egg she laid.

Then there is liver inflammation causing fluid to accumulate in the abdominal cavity. This would be more apparent when viewing the hen from behind as she walks away from you. The swelling will hang low and cause her legs to be farther apart than normal, resulting in a "waddle".

If you can determine that the swelling is due to an inflammation of the oviduct, and not just fat or fluid buildup, an antibiotic may be helpful.

 

[Squishychicken]

what antibiotic would I use? I can't get to a vet so that's out of option. and how can I determine if it's a inflimation or oviduct problum?

 

[azygous]

You determine inflammation of the oviduct by eliminating all other possibilities. In addition to swelling below the vent, she may be lethargic, have watery poop, stand around with her tail held low and flat, and not feel much like eating. That's when you know with reasonable certainty you're dealing with an infection.

As long as she's behaving normally, is vocal, and eating and pooping normally, you don't need to treat for anything. If you do, amoxicillin or penicillin are good antibiotics.

 

[Squishychicken]

ok, so she is fine she is just very fatty?

 

[azygous]

Yes. But. Fat isn't terrific. Just as your doctor is less than happy if you are ten pounds overweight, a hen carrying extra fat isn't a desirable thing, either. It eventually leads to fatty liver, then liver disease in your chicken.

It's a sign you may be going a bit overboard on the treats. It might be wise to cut back.

 

[Squishychicken]

I dont feed treats. like I said I got her recently so...

 

[Squishychicken]

the former owner must have then

 

[azygous]

Perhaps with exercise, she can drop the fat. Free ranging is good for that if you can let her do it safely.

 

[Squishychicken]

that's the thing her recent home freeranged her all day