Droopy Hen with Hard Abdomen

[avianmom]

Yes, I know this may look like egg binding but I have felt for an egg and there is none. My hen is an Ameracauna Black Copper Maran cross and is 2 years old. She has not laid any eggs in a few months now. She was fine yesterday but today is still eating but holding her tail down and has a huge, hard abdomen and is walking uncomfortably. What could be wrong? HELP!

 

[Kiki]

Any number of other internal issues. She could have a back up of eggs being laid internally.
Can you get her to a vet?

 

[cow whisperer]

I was just going to take a wild guess that the hen is egg bound.

 

[Kiki]

@PD-Riverman Was it you that posted a pic recently of the internal layer? (the necropsy you did?)

 

[PD-Riverman]

@PD-Riverman Was it you that posted a pic recently of the internal layer? (the necropsy you did?)

Yes

 

[PD-Riverman]

Any number of other internal issues. She could have a back up of eggs being laid internally.
Can you get her to a vet?

My opinion---if she is doing what you are stating----I feel taking her to the vet is a waste of money and time. I have read that their is a slim chance of saving her. But, we really do not know what is wrong---do we?? Sure sounds like the one I had----no eggs for a long time, very hard abdomen and a lot heavier than normal-----still eating but walks like a penguin---no roosting----all the symptoms mine had.

 

[Kiki]

My opinion---if she is doing what you are stating----I feel taking her to the vet is a waste of money and time. I have read that their is a slim chance of saving her. But, we really do not know what is wrong---do we?? Sure sounds like the one I had----no eggs for a long time, very hard abdomen and a lot heavier than normal-----still eating but walks like a penguin---no roosting----all the symptoms mine had.

Can you post the pic here? I hate to scare him but it is real and more people should see what it looks like inside..(incase that is what is wrong with his chicken)

 

[PD-Riverman]

Can you post the pic here? I hate to scare him but it is real and more people should see what it looks like inside..(incase that is what is wrong with his chicken)

Yes,

 

[Kiki]

Thanks!


i am not suggesting this is what is wrong with your chicken, but if you said you can't feel an egg in her and her belly is very hard....you COULD be feeling something like this.

 

[LittlePip21]

I'm sorry to hear about your hen! Another thing it could be is ascites, where fluid builds up in the body cavity, this can cause it to be tight and drum like. This can cause respiratory distress, green poo and or watery poo. This problem is caused by organ failure or cancer. You can potentially prolong her life by draining the fluid with a syringe, but it's not a cure. I have a hen who has this and she's responding well to it. Also, my hen stopped Laying after her ascites. Hope this helps! Praying for you!