Is there something wrong with her?

[Wyorp Rock]

Kind of.

Which one? LOL

If she's got some bloat or swelling in the abdomen below the vent between her legs, I would suspect a reproductive disorder. Peritonitis, cancer, Internal Laying, etc. can be common in laying hens. Sadly, there is not a lot that you can do to treat a reproductive disorder.
Monitoring the hen and seeing that she's eating/drinking, checking to make sure her crop is emptying overnight, looking her over for lice/mites and getting a fecal float to check for worms are about all that you can do.

 

[Neah]

Which one? LOL

If she's got some bloat or swelling in the abdomen below the vent between her legs, I would suspect a reproductive disorder. Peritonitis, cancer, Internal Laying, etc. can be common in laying hens. Sadly, there is not a lot that you can do to treat a reproductive disorder.
Monitoring the hen and seeing that she's eating/drinking, checking to make sure her crop is emptying overnight, looking her over for lice/mites and getting a fecal float to check for worms are about all that you can do.

Shes the one on the right.

Thank you, though!

 

[Neah]

Is the bloating/weight gain common for Rhode Island reds who are 2 years old and up?

 

[coach723]

Reproductive problems are not uncommon in hens over the age of two. Modern laying hens have been bred more for heavy egg production than for long lives. Many birds sold as Rhode Island Reds are more 'production reds' particularly if they are hatchery birds. I've had a pretty high percentage of reproductive problems in the ones I've had. Breeds considered 'heritage breeds' that come from reputable breeders who breed for standards rather than egg laying tend to have a lower percentage of problems over all, but it can happen in any of them. I agree, that since she's no longer laying, and the abdomen seems bloated, it's likely a reproductive problem. It's often not known exactly which one until a necropsy is done since symptoms can be very similar. I leave them with the flock until they are obviously feeling unwell, not eating or drinking, isolating themselves, or get attacked by the flock (the flock will often attack a sick or weak bird, it's survival instinct to drive a weak member out that might draw a predator). At that point I euthanize.

 

[Neah]

Reproductive problems are not uncommon in hens over the age of two. Modern laying hens have been bred more for heavy egg production than for long lives. Many birds sold as Rhode Island Reds are more 'production reds' particularly if they are hatchery birds. I've had a pretty high percentage of reproductive problems in the ones I've had. Breeds considered 'heritage breeds' that come from reputable breeders who breed for standards rather than egg laying tend to have a lower percentage of problems over all, but it can happen in any of them. I agree, that since she's no longer laying, and the abdomen seems bloated, it's likely a reproductive problem. It's often not known exactly which one until a necropsy is done since symptoms can be very similar. I leave them with the flock until they are obviously feeling unwell, not eating or drinking, isolating themselves, or get attacked by the flock (the flock will often attack a sick or weak bird, it's survival instinct to drive a weak member out that might draw a predator). At that point I euthanize.

Thank you!

 

[micstrachan]

Shes the one on the right.

Thank you, though!

I think she meant does it feel like a fat pad OR fluid. So by which one, I think she’s asking fad pad or fluid?

 

[Neah]

I think she meant does it feel like a fat pad OR fluid. So by which one, I think she’s asking fad pad or fluid?

I'm not sure but an update is that she's throwing up clear fluid. She's still eating and drinking though but she has a little bit of labored breathing. I think its her time.

 

[coach723]

With reproductive issues, it can sometimes slow or stop digestion, which causes everything to back up. If her crop is not clearing, then it can be forced back up if it's full, and they can sometimes aspirate that. The pressure in the abdomen can also press on the air sacs making it hard for them to breathe. I'm so sorry she's not doing well. If you feel she is suffering then it may be time to end her suffering. I've had some go quickly on their own, others I've had to end. You are there and the only one that can make that decision.

 

[Neah]

With reproductive issues, it can sometimes slow or stop digestion, which causes everything to back up. If her crop is not clearing, then it can be forced back up if it's full, and they can sometimes aspirate that. The pressure in the abdomen can also press on the air sacs making it hard for them to breathe. I'm so sorry she's not doing well. If you feel she is suffering then it may be time to end her suffering. I've had some go quickly on their own, others I've had to end. You are there and the only one that can make that decision.

Thank you for your help though. I never knew what happened to my other hen, Caramel, who had these same symptoms. I guess it's the breed.

 

[coach723]

Thank you for your help though. I never knew what happened to my other hen, Caramel, who had these same symptoms. I guess it's the breed.

I honestly don't buy hatchery RIR's or production reds anymore, I've lost too many to reproductive issues. Cancers and salpingitis mostly. I have one left, and she will likely be my last, she'll be 4 this summer. I don't plan on getting any more sex links, either black or red either, (under all the various names they go by) for the same reason. Right now I've got a lot of barnyard mixes that I've hatched here, they have been more hardy, and my EE's have been pretty healthy over all. My oldest bird, so far, was a suspected Wellsummer mix (came in a batch of australorps-definitely was NOT an australorp) who lived to be 9 years old. I've got a light brahma now that will be 9 this year along with a barred rock who will also be 9. I've got 2 gold laced wyandottes (one hen, one roo), and 2 EE's that are going on 6 years this summer, all still laying. It's really hard to predict. I try to hatch from those that are healthiest obviously and whenever possible from my older birds (trying to pass on the longetivity). I've gotten a lot pickier about what I will buy. I got some speckled sussex last year. Lost one at 15 weeks with pendulous/impacted crop. They are dingbats!