Distended abdomens in 3 chickens

[lababs]

Hi All: I have 8 factory farm rescue Legghorns. A few are getting upwards to 5 years old and the youngest are 2 1/2. I tell you this because they all were vaccinated at birth. Also, they were made for egg laying and not longevity. About one month ago, one developed a distended abdomen and ultimately died. I thought it was perhaps egg bound, even though the abdomen was not hard. It felt like it had fluid in it though. Two more chickens have developed the same symptoms. It's hard for them to move around with their big bellies. They are listless. I isolated them and began a round of abx (tetracycline). The seven day course will end tomorrow. I also decided to prophylactically deworm the flock, even though I saw no evidence of worms. None of the other chickens have developed any symptoms.

The two chickens are still alive but are not doing well. They eat a bit but mostly lie around in their isolation. The distension has not subsided.

I seem to have prolonged their death by giving them the abx, but that's about it. I'm tempted to tap their abdomens and draw out the fluid (if that's what is there), but I might hit a blood vessel or do some other serious damage. i was a nurse once upon a time, but I'm probably more dangerous than experienced at this point in my life.

I would appreciate any advice. Did they get a passing virus that made them egg bound? Or something effecting 3 the same way at once? Thanks much

 

[Matt119911]

Can you get to a vet?

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

Greetings lababs,

The are varying reasons why swollen bellies occur in hens. Everything from reproductive infections to tumors. However, they do have a chance for survival. I recently treated two of my hens for the same symptom, not knowing the cause. However, both recovered within a week, and both are still doing well. Treatment was three weeks ago. My research lead me to this treatment, but without dosages and delivery suggestions. So, I am sending you my formulations. I hope they are of some help to your rescued hens. Check your Inbox later today.

Your girls have come this far, I hope they will have a continued good life with you, if they can be healed.

God Bless and peace to you.

 

[lababs]

I am reluctant to go to a vet because the vets around here, in my experience, know little about chickens and charge out the wazoo.

 

[Matt119911]

I am reluctant to go to a vet because the vets around here, in my experience, know little about chickens and charge out the wazoo.

Ok if it gets too bad then find a vet or put them out of their misery