My Chicken is Severly Bloated and Balance is Unstable!

[Kmackiy]

Hello, one of my hens stomach is extremely bloated, it kind of feels like it may be filled with fluid. She is a little unsteady and will not walk much. She is constantly pumping her tail but is able to poop with no problem.
I checked her vent to feel for an egg but I didn’t feel one. I wasn’t sure exactly how far to go so I stopped as soon as she squirmed, so only about 2 inches. I soaked her in a warm bath last night and lubricated her but still no egg.
Do you think she is egg bound or does this sound like something else?

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Two inches is plenty to check for an egg. It sounds like she could have ascites (water belly) or a reproductive disorder that has causes the enlargement of her lower abdomen. That will make them sluggish, and have problems getting around. Walking like a penguin or waddling may be common, and they usually prefer sitting or lying down. If there is fluid in the abdomen, some will attempt withdrawing fluid with a 16 gauge needle under the skin, or have a vet do it. Here is a good link with a list of reproductive disorders that you can read about:

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/disorders-of-the-reproductive-system/internal-layer-poultry

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/can-you-kill-a-chicken-by-draining-their-fluid.961280/