Laying hens with "water belly" or "ascites"?

[Shabana]

I'm so glad that Bitsy hasn't gained any more fluid that's really good news. It's really good that they are together and company for each other. Like you say it's much easier to medicate them that way.
Boots is in a pen but it's super large. There are trees and holly bushes in it so lots to adventure around and perch on, but I don't have to chase her round a field when its medicine time! There are two porcelain sablepoot cockerels ( flash and lightening) four porcelain sablepoot hens, Boots, Flipflop and eleven 3 month old babies, so boots didn't really have to contend much with the pecking order (but I bet 11 kids are worse lol) and I don't think that flash or lightening particularly think she's a hottie because they seem to think their lemon millefleur feathers are very "last season" and give them a wide birth lol.

Hope your girlies go from strength to strength and that bluebells lameness improves x

 

[chicknmania]

Thank you and best of luck with Boots too. she's got a good home.

 

[TherryChicken]

Here is my poor girl. First time ever dealing with this

 

[Shabana]

Poor girl. I'm so sorry she's ill.
The medication is working for my little sablepoot, the dosages and such are further up in this thread if you can get hold of them. All her fluid is gone but I have to give it her every day (which we are both used to now, she comes for it when she sees me now as she gets a treat too )
Dandelion tea and root are also diuretic and can help.

I suppose it's the underlying factor that's the problem . It can be their heart, liver, cancer etc.
Boots is old over 6 years and they say they think it's her heart. At best I think they guessed as all they did was a basic examination no blood tests etc.
All I know is that she's back to bossing everyone about and is a happy little hen since she was drained and medicated, so for me, if she even gets another 6-12 months it will have been worth it but obviously I hope for more.

Best wishes to you both x

 

[chicknmania]

Well, if you can get someone to help you drain her, and try the Milkthistle, at the very least. I'm thinking about asking our regular vet for some Lasix, but i doubt I'd have much luck getting it. He doesn't do chickens, but he'll help do fecals and minor stuff like that. Therry Chicken, I would start your hen on the Milkthistle anyway, til you figure out what to do. It won't hurt her, and might help. You can get it at the drug store.

 

[jkirkp5]

Hi there,

I don't post much but wanted to send a big THANK YOU to everyone who does, it is SOO helpful. I just lost a hen to what I think was Marek's which is heartbreaking. We keep taking hens no one wants anymore so vaccination history is unknown. Anyway, we have had to drain fluids and tube feed. You all have been more accurate and informative than the vets in our area. Just wanted to send blessings and good thoughts to all who are struggling with sick hens. This is the place I know I can come to where people love these beautiful birds as much as I do.

Thank you!

Jen

 

[TherryChicken]

Well, if you can get someone to help you drain her, and try the Milkthistle, at the very least.  I'm thinking about asking our regular vet for some Lasix, but i doubt I'd have much luck getting it. He doesn't do chickens, but he'll help do fecals and minor stuff like that. Therry Chicken, I would start your hen on the Milkthistle anyway, til you figure out what to do.  It won't hurt her, and might help.  You can get it at the drug store. 

Thank you!

 

[chicknmania]

Hi there,

I don't post much but wanted to send a big THANK YOU to everyone who does, it is SOO helpful. I just lost a hen to what I think was Marek's which is heartbreaking. We keep taking hens no one wants anymore so vaccination history is unknown. Anyway, we have had to drain fluids and tube feed. You all have been more accurate and informative than the vets in our area. Just wanted to send blessings and good thoughts to all who are struggling with sick hens. This is the place I know I can come to where people love these beautiful birds as much as I do.

Thank you!

Jen

 

[chicknmania]

Just try not to give the Milkthistle to your healthy chickens, because it is very diuretic.

 

[chicknmania]

Today, Bitsy has almost no fluid, and Bluebell is walking so much better. If they both continue improving this much, I will consider letting them out with the flock together next week.