Does my hen have Ascites?

[Simmons Homestead]

So a few weeks ago, I lost one of my hens to ascites while I was draining her. I've gotten paranoid and have started feeling my other hens daily for it. Yesterday, I noticed that one of my Black Sex Links, Sirius, was a bit big in the back but so was Ash, my other Sex Link. Ash is very old and I've had her a long time, but Sirius is young and they're both still laying as far as I can tell.
I wasn't sure if Sirius has ascites, and if so, what am I doing wrong? I've been trying to clean out their coop but it's been very rainy (like every day for the entire day) where I live, so there's still a lot of icky mud, but every time I get rid of it, it just comes back.
How can I tell that my lady has ascites? Should I try to drain her even if I'm not sure? I don't want to lose another one of my hens the same way...

 

[EggSighted4Life]

How can I tell that my lady has ascites? Should I try to drain her even if I'm not sure? I don't want to lose another one of my hens the same way...

Sorry for your loss.

I think you are being paranoid and need to stop checking your hens daily.

Many birds have a large fat plug in that area during processing.

If you are feeding a formulated ration, not diminished by excess treats... parasite control, fresh water, dry bedding/roost (never mind the mud)... that's it. Other wise genetics is a primary factor and if you aren't breeding your own stock... you kinda get what you get.

No, I would not try to drain a perfectly good bird and maybe introduce some type of infection. Sex links is what's going against them most at this point. But try to relax and enjoy what you have!

I know the rain challenge very well.

Please note your hen with ascites... prognosis is poor and draining is most likely a temporary relief at best is my understanding. Chances are she had intense pressure on her organs and it was not likely you that actually killed her is my understanding. BUT... I would still hesitate to do it to another hen.