Draining ascites

[CrazyChickenLadySue]

I have heard several people talking about draining ascites. I'm just wondering if any of you actually do this yourselves and if so how? I don't have a poorly hen but if the time arises and this is an option for me then I would like to have the necessary knowledge and equipment to do so. We all know that whenever you need it most help isn't available such as during holidays or weekends.

 

[Zencoop]

I just did it for the first time 2 days ago. Favorite hen, 4 yrs old… her belly felt more like air than squishy but something was wrong. I didn’t think it was egg… so I read a million posts, videos…
My husband held her, I had 16 gauge, 1/2 inch needle, 60cc syringe, rubbing alcohol and a spray wound treatment. Stayed on right side, 2 inches down from vent and to the right towards leg, insert at a diagonal. Urine looking liquid, took out a cup and a half. Hardest part was unhooking syringe from needle to empty and then replace. I did have to poke a 2nd time. She was not all that upset, wrapped in a towel. Sprayed area again after removing needle. Let her back with flock after an hour observing. Kept looking for signs of infection or refilling. So far none of those, I can tell she is more comfortable. There is still about as much left in her. I’m going to drain the rest tomorrow. She had been this way about a month and has lost weight. I feel she will have the best chance get all the fluid off and see how it goes.
I’ll update if she’s still here in a couple weeks.
She was not so full she was weeping from her tummy but now that I drained a lot, I imagine it really doesn’t feel good. I’m glad I did it. If it becomes a monthly thing… ugh likely not good quality of life for my girl.?

 

[CrazyChickenLadySue]

I just did it for the first time 2 days ago. Favorite hen, 4 yrs old… her belly felt more like air than squishy but something was wrong. I didn’t think it was egg… so I read a million posts, videos…
My husband held her, I had 16 gauge, 1/2 inch needle, 60cc syringe, rubbing alcohol and a spray wound treatment. Stayed on right side, 2 inches down from vent and to the right towards leg, insert at a diagonal. Urine looking liquid, took out a cup and a half. Hardest part was unhooking syringe from needle to empty and then replace. I did have to poke a 2nd time. She was not all that upset, wrapped in a towel. Sprayed area again after removing needle. Let her back with flock after an hour observing. Kept looking for signs of infection or refilling. So far none of those, I can tell she is more comfortable. There is still about as much left in her. I’m going to drain the rest tomorrow. She had been this way about a month and has lost weight. I feel she will have the best chance get all the fluid off and see how it goes.
I’ll update if she’s still here in a couple weeks.
She was not so full she was weeping from her tummy but now that I drained a lot, I imagine it really doesn’t feel good. I’m glad I did it. If it becomes a monthly thing… ugh likely not good quality of life for my girl.?

I would be interested in how you get on, looks like you are doing the best you can for her. At the very least you are relieving alot of suffering and doing far more than alot of people would. You should be proud of yourself.