Is this her tail necrotic or is this some kind of growth or something

[blackandtan]

I’m sorry you’re in this situation, and I’m sorry for your hen.
I don’t know what YOU should do, but when I’ve had a hen that presents like that I know it’s her last day.

 

[Eggcessive]

I think that you are the only one that would know when the time comes for her. Ascites can last for a long time. Sometimes we don’t know whether there is ascites or internal laying/egg yolk peritonitis present until after death. Many of these hens will lead a fairly normal life in the chicken yard, hanging out with others, eating, and perhaps roosting. I would see if she feels okay enough to go out, but at any time, if you feel like she is suffering, I would put her down. I am an RN as well, and know how to do many procedures, such as draining, tube feeding, but I usually don’t, letting nature take it’s course. I do put them down by cutting the jugular vein. They usually let you know when it is time. Sorry that you are dealing with this.

 

[1n0o]

Thanks for understanding and encouraging me. We talked about it this evening and will put her down tomorrow. I so appreciate all of the wisdom and advice.

 

[Eggcessive]

Many of us perform necropsies at home when we lose a chicken just to try and see what was going on inside. When I have done one and discovered ascites, there will be yellow to dark amber fluid that comes out as you open the lower abdomen. Then you can look at the organs for anything unusual, such as egg material masses, tumors, etc. I would take pictures of most of the organs, and feel free to post them here for opinions.

Of course most of our state vets can perform a necropsy if we keep the body cool but not frozen, and take or ship it overnight M-F. They can do histology, testing, and cultures.

Here is a list of state poultry vets and labs in the US, and a video of a necropsy with the organs labeled:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

 

[aart]

Sometimes we don’t know whether there is ascites or internal laying/egg yolk peritonitis present until after death.

Ascites(water belly) is a symptom of various internal issues.
In my 3.....1 had Leukosis(tumor filled intestines),
1 had Egg yolk peritonitis(internal laying),
and 1 had rotten(black) yolks thru out the reproductive tract.
Ascites can also be present with other diseases/organ failures

 

[glassdragonfly]

So sorry! This is such a hard decision,but you know your hen and she will let you know it's time.