Firm backside but normal behavior??

[MrChicken54]

One of my hens has recently (to my knowledge) developed a very firm and noticeably larger abdomen than my other hens. I’ve tried finding out what’s wrong, but I can’t find anything that quite matches her condition. She is acting normal when I’m around, but I’m worried she has something going on. Her vent is normal and her backside just seems slightly swollen. Any help would be great!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I'm sorry I can't tell what I'm seeing in the photo as I'm not sure how the chicken is oriented...head up or down.

I can say if you mean firm in the "abdomen" as below the vent, between the two legs, my first thought goes to egg binding. The other thought is fluid collecting to make it firm. Both would be a bad sign.

If egg binding, giving a warm bath and softly massaging the abdomen usually will help the egg pass.

Ascities is a very bad sign, usually of liver failure. That would require a visit to the vet, who likely wouldn't be able to do much.

Firm abdomen is not a normal thing.

My thoughts.
LofMc

 

[MrChicken54]

I'm sorry I can't tell what I'm seeing in the photo as I'm not sure how the chicken is oriented...head up or down.

I can say if you mean firm in the "abdomen" as below the vent, between the two legs, my first thought goes to egg binding. The other thought is fluid collecting to make it firm. Both would be a bad sign.

If egg binding, giving a warm bath and softly massaging the abdomen usually will help the egg pass.

Ascities is a very bad sign, usually of liver failure. That would require a visit to the vet, who likely wouldn't be able to do much.

Firm abdomen is not a normal thing.

My thoughts.
LofMc

Thanks! I’ve been giving her baths and she seems to be recovering.