Hens body is swollen! HELP

[NewChickenmama06]

I have a 5 and a half year old Australorp hen. Yesterday I noticed she was walking funny. I just took her inside and her lower body is swollen and hard, not squishy like my hen I had to drain. She is eating, drinking and pooping fine. Acting normal, aside from walking funny.
I examined her and her vent was ok. Not sure what it is.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

When was her last egg?

Sometimes hens can have conditions/illnesses like Cancer, Salpingitis, EYP, etc., which can cause swelling/bloat in the abdomen below the vent between the legs.

 

[NewChickenmama06]

When was her last egg?

Sometimes hens can have conditions/illnesses like Cancer, Salpingitis, EYP, etc., which can cause swelling/bloat in the abdomen below the vent between the legs.

I have no idea. They free range during the day, so it's hard to keep track. That's where the swelling is.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I have no idea. They free range during the day, so it's hard to keep track. That's where the swelling is.

Doesn't sound like she's in distress, but I'd give her extra Calcium for 3-5 days to see if she's having trouble expelling an egg or material.

Calcium Citrate+D3 if you have it. Give 1 tablet now, then once daily.
If you don't have Calcium Citrate, then give her 1 TUMS now, then once daily.

You'll have to be the judge whether to put her back with her flock since she's eating/drinking/pooping and acting o.k. I usually leave mine with their friends unless they are getting picked at.

 

[NewChickenmama06]

Doesn't sound like she's in distress, but I'd give her extra Calcium for 3-5 days to see if she's having trouble expelling an egg or material.

Calcium Citrate+D3 if you have it. Give 1 tablet now, then once daily.
If you don't have Calcium Citrate, then give her 1 TUMS now, then once daily.

You'll have to be the judge whether to put her back with her flock since she's eating/drinking/pooping and acting o.k. I usually leave mine with their friends unless they are getting picked at.

Do I just have her eat the tums with food?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Do I just have her eat the tums with food?

If possible, I'd give it to her directly that way you know she's had it. Sometimes when added to food, then hen refuses or just eats around the medication.

TUMS doesn't dissolve in water (tried that many times in various ways). So...you give the tablet whole, just pull down on the wattles, pop it in and let her swallow. You could cut it in 1/2 (it may shatter into pieces LOL) and give her pieces. OR you could crush very well, mix with just small amount of a treat she likes - maybe some canned cat food, liverwurst, tablespoon of yogurt and see if she will eat it that way.

 

[NewChickenmama06]

If possible, I'd give it to her directly that way you know she's had it. Sometimes when added to food, then hen refuses or just eats around the medication.

TUMS doesn't dissolve in water (tried that many times in various ways). So...you give the tablet whole, just pull down on the wattles, pop it in and let her swallow. You could cut it in 1/2 (it may shatter into pieces LOL) and give her pieces. OR you could crush very well, mix with just small amount of a treat she likes - maybe some canned cat food, liverwurst, tablespoon of yogurt and see if she will eat it that way.

I added it to warm oatmeal and she ate every last bit. I think if she had a mouth instead of a beak, she would of licked the dish!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I added it to warm oatmeal and she ate every last bit. I think if she had a mouth instead of a beak, she would of licked the dish!

Oh good! I'm glad she ate it all up.

My hens eye things suspiciously, so I end up having to shove tablets into the beak LOL