Egg bound, infection, something else?

[Breezed]

She still isn't getting better. Her back end feels like one big bubble. Before it was more squishy like a water balloon. It definitely does not feel right.

 

[Eggcessive]

She could have oviduct cancer or ascites, since her belly feels more firm. I would probably put her down to end her misery. Oviduct cancer would make her abdomen feel hard, and ascites would make it feel tight like a drum. Lash eggs from internal laying could also feel hard. Any of those are painful and she probably feels bad. It would be good to do your own necropsy, or send her body in to the state vet for a professional necropsy if you want to know what was happening. Take pictures of her organs if you do one yourself. So sorry that she is worse.

 

[Breezed]

She could have oviduct cancer or ascites, since her belly feels more firm. I would probably put her down to end her misery. Oviduct cancer would make her abdomen feel hard, and ascites would make it feel tight like a drum. Lash eggs from internal laying could also feel hard. Any of those are painful and she probably feels bad. It would be good to do your own necropsy, or send her body in to the state vet for a professional necropsy if you want to know what was happening. Take pictures of her organs if you do one yourself. So sorry that she is worse.

Thank you. I also believe she has ascites after reading dozens of pages this morning. I thought she seemed to slightly improve the past few days but this morning she couldn't even get down from the roost and I had to help her and that's when I realized her belly is even more swollen and getting really firm. She still wants to follow her flock but her waddling is worse and she seems to be struggling this morning. I now have her in a small, dark area in a bathroom snuggled with towels so she is warm and as comfortable as possible in this situation and so she isn't trying to move around. My hubs is going to put her down today.

 

[Eggcessive]

Some people do try and remove some of the fluid with a 16 gauge needle to offer some temporary relief. But that does not solve the problem, and eventually she will die from the problem. It is difficult to do a necropsy, but sometimes it helps to know what was causing the problems. If you decide to do one, take some pictures and share them here. When I have had a hen with ascites, it is evident the second that you open the abdominal cavity when amber fluid comes out. Take care, and sorry for your loss.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I'm so sorry. Poor thing must be pretty miserable. I'm so sorry you are losing her...

 

[Eggcessive]

This picture shows a hen with ascites that @casportpony was draining:

Here is a YouTube video of someone draining their hen:

 

[casportpony]

Excellent video!

 

[Cragg Klefor]

Thank you. I also believe she has ascites after reading dozens of pages this morning. I thought she seemed to slightly improve the past few days but this morning she couldn't even get down from the roost and I had to help her and that's when I realized her belly is even more swollen and getting really firm. She still wants to follow her flock but her waddling is worse and she seems to be struggling this morning. I now have her in a small, dark area in a bathroom snuggled with towels so she is warm and as comfortable as possible in this situation and so she isn't trying to move around. My hubs is going to put her down today.

I have been following this thread as I often have chickens with reproductive disorders (ex battery hens) and I wanted to be available to help with suggestions if the situation arose. Unfortunately I could have added nothing, the advice and suggestions you received were excellent. Reproductive disorders are devastating to owners and chickens, I know. I am so sorry you have had to experience this, and being a chicken owner you could again. We are left being able to do nothing for the poor chicken, but we try. It's all we can do. I think you have made the right decision

 

[PirateGirl]

I am sorry. Once it gets to this point there is often not much that can be done. You have been extremely responsible in her care. Fortunately this is not something that will spread and harm the remainder of your flock.