Greetings
Laurenpedler,
First welcome to BYC.
I had to finally euthanize a hen that suffered with ascites (fluid build up), for a year. She had suspected egg peritonitis. This infection of the ovary is caused by E. Coli bacteria.
My hen, "Filamena", had three remissions from the fluid build up during that year. She was treated with antibiotics in the beginning of her infection, which really did help. In fact, after many months of not laying an egg, she suddenly laid an egg three time in one month, then stopped. I provided good supportive care each time she swelled. Her supportive care included: herbal antibiotic remedy, epsom salt soaks twice a week, supportive meals, as she would go off feed, and I placed step ups around the yard, to accommodate her. Her perching area in the coop was also modified with netting under, to prevent her from falling. They are very clumsy, because of the swollen belly. They cannot and should not jump up, or down from the perch. Some hens have ruptured their bellies from this, and death resulted. You can also let her sleep in a nest box; my hen would not have it.
So, you see...caring for the hen will be quite involved. If she is a pet, it is something you may want to do for her. But, many keepers will cull the hen because they don't have time for this level of care.
Some hens live several years, but mild infection does reoccur. E. Coli is a common bacteria that exists in the environment and in the intestines of the chicken. There are different strains of E. Coli, some are deadly. Because of the chicken's unique anatomy, the bacteria is able to invade the oviduct through the cloaca. It is believed that some hens are just more prone than others due to intense egg laying, and hormonal shifts.
My poor Filamena, her last relapse with ascite swelling lasted four weeks. The day before I euthanized her, she was injured running up a hill. The injury wasn't serious, but, she had such labored breathing, that I just felt she was now suffering. It broke my heart to end her life, but, in doing so, I also ended her suffering. She had a good life with much chicken joy!
Your hen may not go through this, only time will tell.
These are my thoughts on your hens issue, based on my experience with oviduct infection and the ascites resulting. I hope this is helpful.
God Bless and peace to you.
