Hen with swollen abdomen

[Wynette]

I KNOW I saw a post regarding this recently, where someone indicated they had a hen that they needed to have a fluid-filled lump drained every so often, but I can't find the thread.

My girl is a 10-month old Jersey GiantXNHR. She's been laying without issue (last egg laid was Saturday). I moved her to a new pen yesterday, and when I picked her up, felt a fluid filled area about the size of a small orange down almost between her legs. I was shocked! It felt huge, and not firm at all - like watery. She's eating, drinking just fine and seems normal in every other way.

My DH lost his job in December, and we can't spend the money on a trip to the vet...any help is appreciated. Thanks much!

 

[Heidi]

I wish I could give you advice - I'm hoping if I bump this up someone with the answer will see it. Good luck!

 

[MoodyChicken]

I have a hen with a lump like that too, but hers is more fatty and solid. Use a large syringe with a needle to drain it, if nothing comes out than stop.

 

[Wynette]

Thanks, Moody.

No one else has ever had this issue? I really would like some feedback from folks who have had this issue....thanks!

 

[MoodyChicken]

There were like two or three posts like this not too long ago. I'm sure they're floating around here somewhere. This bubble butt is pretty common. A friend of mine had one too, but her bird's butt was rock solid. It survived several years before dying of old age.

 

[Wynette]

Yes, I know I saw at least one of the posts you mention, but for the life of me, I could not find them before posting. I try REALLY hard not to post something that's already been covered, unless I have further questions. But, I couldn't find any other posts that sounded even vaguely similar to what I've got going on. Sigh. My poor girl! And, she has not laid since Saturday (kind of unusual for her), so I'm starting to worry that maybe she's laying internally. Double sigh.

 

[vwoods]

Wynette, I have a red star that is exhibiting some of the symptoms as your hen. I have been giving her palliative care in my kitchen for the last several days. The post had some replies that gave links to several articles/threads on internal laying that you might find helpful. My girl is no better/no worse, I hope yours gets well soon. Have a look at my post and see if any of the links are helpful. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=138126

 

[Wynette]

Thanks, vwoods - I'll go check it now.