Hen has some kind of "Bubble" bulging from side on neck/chest?? HELP!!

[jscott5510]

One of my hens seems to have some kind of air bubble on the side of her neck/chest! Not sure what this is, or how it happened.... nor do I have any idea what to do!! Can someone help me? Thank you!

 

[Eggcessive]

I assume you are not talking about the crop on the upper right side of the chest under the neck? Chickens have air sacs all over their bodies. Sometimes chickens can get injured and have air escaping from a ruptured air sac that collects under the skin. This is called subcutaneous emphysema. It is not serious, unless the air keeps collecting getting bigger and bigger. Most times it goes away after a few days when the body reabsorbs it, but some people choose to deflate it with a small needle and 10-20 cc syringe.

 

[jscott5510]

Thank you, I just started researching this and came up with the same answer! It is located on the right side of her upper breast. I just noticed it today, so I am positive it hasn't been that way long! Should I leave it alone for a day or two and see if it goes down, or is it better to just express the air right away? It is about the size of a small apple, so I am not sure. Thank you for your help!!

 

[Eggcessive]

There are varied opinions on expressing the air. I would wait and see unless it was causing a problem. I can not see doing anything invasive unless necessary. If she gets in trouble breathing, then it might help.