Fluid filled sides on Appenzeller Spitzhauben pullet

[mbally28]

I have a three month old Appenzeller Spitzhauben chick with strange pockets of fluid on either side of her body under her wings in the thigh area. It started about four days ago on one side and then two days ago on both sides. It doesn't feel like a tumor and she doesn't seem to be in any pain. Because of the extra girth, she waddles, but she is still eating and drinking normally. I don't know how else to describe what's going on other than she has big squishy pockets of fluid. We have had chickens for many, many years and have never seen such a thing. She is the only chicken with these symptoms. Could it be worms?

I know it's hard to see anything in the photos, but I thought I would share them. The first photo is of one side with her wing lifted up (it looks the same on both sides). The second is her back with her wings lifted up.

Thank you for any insight.

 

[Eggcessive]

My guess is that she may have leaking air sacs on both sides. Does she have any trouble breathing, or any "clicking " when she breathes? Most of the time this happens from an injury to the chest or neck, but can also happen from an infection. You can take a 18 gauge needle and stick it just under the skin over the area, and take it out, then press out all of the air. I performed this on a 2 week old, and used a smaller needle. I had to make more than one puncture, but she recovered. If you want more info, do a search for "subcutaneous emphysema in chickens."

 

[mbally28]

Thanks for the information! I'm going to try your suggestion. Thanks, too, for the term to search for more information. I really appreciate the help.

 

[mbally28]

I tried what you said and it worked like a charm. She is doing great! Thanks again!

 

[Eggcessive]

Thanks for the update, and I'm glad that it helped. Let us know how she gets along.