Crouching chicken (hidden tiger) Still

[Aunt Marge]

My Sweet Aunt Marge, barred rock, is unable to walk/stand normally. She is in a crouched position, rump and belly low, tail feathers down--like a hawk is about to swoop upon her. This doesn't stop her from walking around but always in this low crouch. She is not limping or favoring one side so I don't think it is a leg problem. I felt her belly and it seems large and distended. I think her vent area seems normal. She is not listless. Any suggestions? I do love this mischievous chicken.

I posted this problem a few days ago and one person responded (bless you) that I should soak her and check for an egg. She is continuing to live in this pathetic crouched position. She is popping at least somewhat because it sticks to her rear feathers since she is in a sitting position. I am providing grit. Question One: What is the best way to soak a chicken? and Question Two: Any other ideas?

 

[Judy]

Just put her in some warm, mildly soapy water for 10 or 15 minutes. If you have a large plastic container or a washtub, that would be good. I'm sure many people do it in the kitchen sink.

I'm sorry to say, from the swelling and because you don't mention feeling an egg through her abdomen, I'm afraid that it is internal laying, or another serious problem of the egg laying system. I'll give you some links to read about this. If she is a hatchery chicken (or from a feed store or TSC) and is around 1-2 years old, this is not uncommon at all.


https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/362422/drained-a-hens-abdomen-rest-in-peace-olivia-11-5-10

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/79443/tell-me-about-your-internal-layers

 

[TeamChaos]

Hi there, I'm sorry I didn't get back to the other thread! Yes, soak her in the tub or a tub- nice warm water. Don't be surprised if she totally relaxes and kind of goes limp- just keep a hand under her and don't let her head go under! I wonder if she's an internal layer too- I've got a girl w/ a huge extended "abdomen" and this is our second time around with it. If you have antibiotics on hand, it won't hurt to start her on them. Have you checked her range of motion in her legs? Do you have a rooster that could have hurt her while mating?

 

[Aunt Marge]

She maybe an internal layer. We finally have a warm day in Montana and I have put Aunt Marge in a tub of warm sudsy water for about 15 minutes. I went to gather eggs about 2 days ago and finally caught her in the nesting box. There was a thin shelled, imperfectly shaped egg under her. This is the first egg like this l have seen and I haven't caught her in the nesting box other than this once so I don't know if she is laying other than that odd egg. Her belly is really distended which was especially noticeable after her soak in the tub, because her feathers were wet so they allowed more of a view of that enlarged area under the vent and between her legs. She wattles uncomfortably but otherwise seems perky. Is this a curable situation? Thanks for your help.
PS We do not have roosters (someone asked about that)

 

[CMV]

Curable? With a complete hysterectomy that she may or may not live through...yes. Otherwise? No, I am sorry to say. Reproductive issues in hens are often fatal.

I am sorry.