Hen is full of fluid!

[Didi2016]

She was puffy and quiet yesterday and had lots of dried poop around her vent. Today, I pulled off as much as I could and checked her for a stuck egg. I found a lot of retained fluid in her belly! No egg that I could find and I pulled more of the poop off of her and she was quite agreeable. She is still just sitting and not eating. Has anyone else had this sort of fluid problem and what should I try? It feels like a quart of water is in there.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Generally ascites is from organ failure. Some drain it and manage them. I personally would cull.

 

[Didi2016]

Well, I can't kill her, so I guess I'll drain it tomorrow. Thanks for the info.

 

[micstrachan]

Ascites can be from organ failure, infection, reproductive problem or cancer. It might be worth trying antibiotics, especially once you see the fluid. Is her breathing labored?

 

[artsyrobin]

sent you a pm, i have had hens in the past with this, some reabsorb the fluid and do fine, it flares up and reduces, each hen is different, i wouldn't drain because it is risky- drain too much fluid it can cause heart failure- so i avoid it unless you have a vet.

 

[Hen Pen Jem]

There are many opinions on ascites and how to treat. No one knows what causes it, but it does seem to be very common.

My treatment is totally different, but all I can say is my Filamena is cured and back to normal, after a 9 week struggle with this condition.

Today I found that my 2.5 year old Taji, an Ameruacana seems to have ascites building as well, low appetite and mucous type poop that is very small. I noticed her change in behavior 2 days ago. But, I thought it may just be something she'd eaten or the heat.
Either way, I have begun my treatment on her today. She had more energy and ate some grapes happily after her soak.

Teatment and Supportive Care

* Soak in Epsom salt bath for 5-10 minutes 2-3 times a week.
* Rub, "The Rub Arnica Herbal cream" (best) or Preparation H (OK) or Desitin
Ointment (if nothing else) on her swollen area. (I alternated all three creams.)
* Detox in drinking water 2-3 days a week with "Lily of the Valley Aloe Vera 80
Detoxifying Formula" and/or moisten feed with it. (also supports liver)(make fresh
each day)
* Sprinkle "Vionate Vitamin Supplement" on layer mash for 8 weeks.
* Hospital Cage for the first half of each day to monitor progress, feed and do Epsom
Salt Baths

***Special Note: No jumping on to, or off perch or other high structures! The ascites buildup will cause some level of herniation, and can rupture if she injures her belly! Death will follow or euthanize.

** Hygiene Note: Keep the hen's vent clean, during her soak gently remove any poop that is sticking to her feathers and vent area. Never pull on the poop, you could injure the hen. Most of it will come off after soaking in Epsom Salt. This will prevent any blockage from forming over the vent.

Diet:
* Black grapes everyday, because my hens love them and they stimulate appetite.
* 1 tablespoon Meat protein 3 – 4 times a week.
* Offer Fresh greens and other fruit 5-6 days a week.
* Cooked grains: brown rice, wheat berries, pearl barley and oat groats daily.
* Layer mash offered daily.

I know it seems like a lot of stuff to do, but my chickens are pets too. If you set up a routine it won't be difficult.

How long till she recovers? My hen took 8 weeks, but like anything, I think it depends on the general health of your hen, and your consistency in treatment. In the end, of course there is no guarantee, the hen may die. This is a very dire condition.

What ever you do, don't let anyone try to insert a needle to drain her abdomen. I have not read of any successful endings involving needles. Just let her be.

So, that's my view on ascites...

God Bless!

 

[Akrnaf2]

Kathy @casportpony
What is your opinion on this?

 

[Didi2016]

There are many opinions on ascites and how to treat. No one knows what causes it, but it does seem to be very common.

My treatment is totally different, but all I can say is my Filamena is cured and back to normal, after a 9 week struggle with this condition.

Today I found that my 2.5 year old Taji, an Ameruacana seems to have ascites building as well, low appetite and mucous type poop that is very small. I noticed her change in behavior 2 days ago. But, I thought it may just be something she'd eaten or the heat.
Either way, I have begun my treatment on her today. She had more energy and ate some grapes happily after her soak.

Teatment and Supportive Care

* Soak in Epsom salt bath for 5-10 minutes 2-3 times a week.
* Rub, "The Rub Arnica Herbal cream" (best) or Preparation H (OK) or Desitin
Ointment (if nothing else) on her swollen area. (I alternated all three creams.)
* Detox in drinking water 2-3 days a week with "Lily of the Valley Aloe Vera 80
Detoxifying Formula" and/or moisten feed with it. (also supports liver)(make fresh
each day)
* Sprinkle "Vionate Vitamin Supplement" on layer mash for 8 weeks.
* Hospital Cage for the first half of each day to monitor progress, feed and do Epsom
Salt Baths

***Special Note: No jumping on to, or off perch or other high structures! The ascites buildup will cause some level of herniation, and can rupture if she injures her belly! Death will follow or euthanize.

** Hygiene Note: Keep the hen's vent clean, during her soak gently remove any poop that is sticking to her feathers and vent area. Never pull on the poop, you could injure the hen. Most of it will come off after soaking in Epsom Salt. This will prevent any blockage from forming over the vent.

Diet:
* Black grapes everyday, because my hens love them and they stimulate appetite.
* 1 tablespoon Meat protein 3 – 4 times a week.
* Offer Fresh greens and other fruit 5-6 days a week.
* Cooked grains: brown rice, wheat berries, pearl barley and oat groats daily.
* Layer mash offered daily.

I know it seems like a lot of stuff to do, but my chickens are pets too. If you set up a routine it won't be difficult.

How long till she recovers? My hen took 8 weeks, but like anything, I think it depends on the general health of your hen, and your consistency in treatment. In the end, of course there is no guarantee, the hen may die. This is a very dire condition.Thank

What ever you do, don't let anyone try to insert a needle to drain her abdomen. I have not read of any successful endings involving needles. Just let her be.

So, that's my view on ascites...

God Bless!

sent you a pm, i have had hens in the past with this, some reabsorb the fluid and do fine, it flares up and reduces, each hen is different, i wouldn't drain because it is risky- drain too much fluid it can cause heart failure- so i avoid it unless you have a vet.

There are many opinions on ascites and how to treat. No one knows what causes it, but it does seem to be very common.

My treatment is totally different, but all I can say is my Filamena is cured and back to normal, after a 9 week struggle with this condition.

Today I found that my 2.5 year old Taji, an Ameruacana seems to have ascites building as well, low appetite and mucous type poop that is very small. I noticed her change in behavior 2 days ago. But, I thought it may just be something she'd eaten or the heat.
Either way, I have begun my treatment on her today. She had more energy and ate some grapes happily after her soak.

Teatment and Supportive Care

* Soak in Epsom salt bath for 5-10 minutes 2-3 times a week.
* Rub, "The Rub Arnica Herbal cream" (best) or Preparation H (OK) or Desitin
Ointment (if nothing else) on her swollen area. (I alternated all three creams.)
* Detox in drinking water 2-3 days a week with "Lily of the Valley Aloe Vera 80
Detoxifying Formula" and/or moisten feed with it. (also supports liver)(make fresh
each day)
* Sprinkle "Vionate Vitamin Supplement" on layer mash for 8 weeks.
* Hospital Cage for the first half of each day to monitor progress, feed and do Epsom
Salt Baths

***Special Note: No jumping on to, or off perch or other high structures! The ascites buildup will cause some level of herniation, and can rupture if she injures her belly! Death will follow or euthanize.

** Hygiene Note: Keep the hen's vent clean, during her soak gently remove any poop that is sticking to her feathers and vent area. Never pull on the poop, you could injure the hen. Most of it will come off after soaking in Epsom Salt. This will prevent any blockage from forming over the vent.

Diet:
* Black grapes everyday, because my hens love them and they stimulate appetite.
* 1 tablespoon Meat protein 3 – 4 times a week.
* Offer Fresh greens and other fruit 5-6 days a week.
* Cooked grains: brown rice, wheat berries, pearl barley and oat groats daily.
* Layer mash offered daily.

I know it seems like a lot of stuff to do, but my chickens are pets too. If you set up a routine it won't be difficult.

How long till she recovers? My hen took 8 weeks, but like anything, I think it depends on the general health of your hen, and your consistency in treatment. In the end, of course there is no guarantee, the hen may die. This is a very dire condition.

What ever you do, don't let anyone try to insert a needle to drain her abdomen. I have not read of any successful endings involving needles. Just let her be.

So, that's my view on ascites...

God Bless!

 

[Didi2016]

Thanks so much for all of that info. I have some of your suggestions and will pic up some others when I get paid at the end of the month.

 

[Josie670]

There are many opinions on ascites and how to treat. No one knows what causes it, but it does seem to be very common.

My treatment is totally different, but all I can say is my Filamena is cured and back to normal, after a 9 week struggle with this condition.

Today I found that my 2.5 year old Taji, an Ameruacana seems to have ascites building as well, low appetite and mucous type poop that is very small. I noticed her change in behavior 2 days ago. But, I thought it may just be something she'd eaten or the heat.
Either way, I have begun my treatment on her today. She had more energy and ate some grapes happily after her soak.

Teatment and Supportive Care

* Soak in Epsom salt bath for 5-10 minutes 2-3 times a week.
* Rub, "The Rub Arnica Herbal cream" (best) or Preparation H (OK) or Desitin
Ointment (if nothing else) on her swollen area. (I alternated all three creams.)
* Detox in drinking water 2-3 days a week with "Lily of the Valley Aloe Vera 80
Detoxifying Formula" and/or moisten feed with it. (also supports liver)(make fresh
each day)
* Sprinkle "Vionate Vitamin Supplement" on layer mash for 8 weeks.
* Hospital Cage for the first half of each day to monitor progress, feed and do Epsom
Salt Baths

***Special Note: No jumping on to, or off perch or other high structures! The ascites buildup will cause some level of herniation, and can rupture if she injures her belly! Death will follow or euthanize.

** Hygiene Note: Keep the hen's vent clean, during her soak gently remove any poop that is sticking to her feathers and vent area. Never pull on the poop, you could injure the hen. Most of it will come off after soaking in Epsom Salt. This will prevent any blockage from forming over the vent.

Diet:
* Black grapes everyday, because my hens love them and they stimulate appetite.
* 1 tablespoon Meat protein 3 – 4 times a week.
* Offer Fresh greens and other fruit 5-6 days a week.
* Cooked grains: brown rice, wheat berries, pearl barley and oat groats daily.
* Layer mash offered daily.

I know it seems like a lot of stuff to do, but my chickens are pets too. If you set up a routine it won't be difficult.

How long till she recovers? My hen took 8 weeks, but like anything, I think it depends on the general health of your hen, and your consistency in treatment. In the end, of course there is no guarantee, the hen may die. This is a very dire condition.

What ever you do, don't let anyone try to insert a needle to drain her abdomen. I have not read of any successful endings involving needles. Just let her be.

So, that's my view on ascites...

God Bless!

Thank you for this advice, right now I I am going through this with one of my girls and it's just horrible to see her suffer.
I have her in a hospital bed as she is very wobbly and don't want her to fall over. When I have to go to work she goes back outside but in her own separate run so the others can't knock her over. I'm constantly hand feeding her things like 1 scrambled egg, brown bread, tuna grapes banana and strawberries. I'm also adding probiotics/electrolytes in the water and offering several times a day. One thing I will now start doing is giving her Epsom salt baths(I will buy some today) as you and many others have recommended. I just want her to feel okay