Egg yolk peritonitis????

[lovethefarmlife]

One of my healthy 3 year old Buff Orpingtons has been showing the following signs the last few weeks:

~ Sleeping in the bottom nesting box.
~ Walking carefully and slower.
~ Feet are facing inwards when walking/standing.
~ Walking with a wider stance.
~ Not laying any eggs.
~ Poop is normal color, but seems less frequent and is looking sort of hard/dry.
~ Her belly feels tight, hard, swollen, and balloon like. *******
~ Seems to be pulsing when she sits and breathing harder when she sits.
~ Still has a red comb, is alert, and is still eating and drinking fine.
~ Is still preening and pecking at the ground.
~ Stands up with no difficulty, but is careful doing it.

We have tried isolating her, and giving vitamins and electrolytes to her. We have also given her a warm soak that she seemed to enjoy. BUT....nothing is getting better. I fear the worst now.

I suspect egg yolk peritonitis. I would love to hear other educated thoughts on this please!

 

[alinas2010]

I’m really sorry to hear about your chicken not feeling well. Have you checked her over really well for lice/mites? Check near the vent really well. Those can take it out of chickens really quickly if left untreated. How about respiratory issues? Any discharge from here eyes, nose or mouth? And how is she breathing?

When was the last time she laid an egg? She may have something reproductive going on, as you suspect. Unfortunately by the time they show signs of having a reproductive infection, it’s far too advanced for treatment. You could start her on an antibiotic if you have one available. Sometimes that can buy time for them, although it usually will not cure a reproductive infection completely.