Lethargic bloated chicken

[TheDuck]

I'm new to chickens with our first flock of 10 arriving in April, Australorps and Isa Browns. They seemed to be doing great until now. But we noticed one of our 22 week old Australorps very lethargic, appears bloated, vent area slightly messy, comb appears purplish. I picked her up and water (?) started dripping from the beak area. I am not sure if this chicken has laid any eggs. Only a few have so far (5-7 per day). I've called around and there are no vets in my area that see backyard chickens. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Is there something I can do to help determine the issue and if there is anything that can be done to help? Thanks!

 

[mrsmistoffelees02]

I would look into a condition called “water belly”… Your hen sounds like she has similar symptoms to this. I don’t know much about it, but that might give you some direction.

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you get her bottom cleaned up and get a picture. Pictures of her and her droppings may also be helpful. Is she eating and drinking? Is her crop if you check it early morning before she eats or drinks, empty? Heart failure, ascites (water belly,) or a reproductive disorder could be possible. Sometimes my local vet will at least see a chicken since I am a regular customer.