Hen Walks Like A Penguin

[Chickmunk]

I have a hen, a black australorp, around five years old, who walks like a penguin.
I've picked her up and felt around, but I can't find anything that could indicate a problem, and she's never gotten sick before.
There isn't any enlargement in her abdomen, it's a healthy size, not hot to the touch like another hen of mine's was.
Today, it seems like she's in pain, and she has to stretch her neck all the way out to get to the ground to eat.
The vet isn't an option, there isn't money to spend on a hen, so my question is: What do I do?
At this point, I'm probably going to have to cull her just to end her misery, she obviously is not a happy hen.
I would appreciate a quick answer, I don't really want to make her live like this longer than she has to.​

 

[ShellyBear]

Egg bound, I can't really think of what she could have by your description. If you do cull her though you might be able (If comfortable) kind of dissect her and see if you can find anything abnormal.

 

[Eggcessive]

She may have an internal laying or egg yolk peritonitis problem. They may walk upright or waddle like a penguin, prefer to lie down, lose weight, and become lethargic. Cancer can also be common in hens. At any point where she is suffering, I would euthanize her. Here is some info on internal laying problems:
http://scoopfromthecoop.nutrenaworld.com/laying-issues-internal-layers-and-peritonitis/
http://www.theveterinaryexpert.com/backyard-poultry/egg-yolk-peritonitis/

 

[Chickmunk]

Egg bound, I can't really think of what she could have by your description. If you do cull her though you might be able (If comfortable) kind of dissect her and see if you can find anything abnormal.

I would be very uncomfortable dissecting her, the reason why I didn't go for veterinarian as my career, so I'm not sure what I could do.

She may have an internal laying or egg yolk peritonitis problem. They may walk upright or waddle like a penguin, prefer to lie down, lose weight, and become lethargic. Cancer can also be common in hens. At any point where she is suffering, I would euthanize her. Here is some info on internal laying problems:
http://scoopfromthecoop.nutrenaworld.com/laying-issues-internal-layers-and-peritonitis/
http://www.theveterinaryexpert.com/backyard-poultry/egg-yolk-peritonitis/

Can they be egg bound without any swelling? I think I would notice if she had a build up between her legs. I've checked it every so often when I pick her up to check on her, and nothing changes.

 

[ShellyBear]

Egg bound doesn't always make the hens abdomen swell.

 

[Chickmunk]

Egg bound doesn't always make the hens abdomen swell.

The thing is, she hasn't laid any eggs in over two years, and she's been acting weird for way less time than that.

 

[ShellyBear]

We had an eight year old hen stop laying for years, she has just started laying again. Egg bond is just an idea, it might not be the reason, but I can't think of anything else

 

[Chickmunk]

We had an eight year old hen stop laying for years, she has just started laying again. Egg bond is just an idea, it might not be the reason, but I can't think of anything else

Alright, thank you. I guess I'll continue to keep an eye on her, her eating habits, etc.
The poor thing just seemed so uncomfortable the other day. She's a little better now.
She keeps her tail down pretty much all of the time, and stands like a penguin does, but when she walks, she looks okay.

 

[ShellyBear]

I'm glad she is feeling better, I truly would just keep an eye on her and make sure she's eating a drinking. Good luck!