My girl has a swollen abdomen.

[aart]

Not sure if it matters but, how old is this hen?

 

[Almichfarmgirl]

She is approx 2-3 years old.

 

[Almichfarmgirl]

I think she is an americauna

 

[casportpony]

2-3 years old does make it sound like a reproductive issue. Do some research on EYP, internal laying, ascites and oviduct cancer.

-Kathy

 

[Almichfarmgirl]

I gave my girl a warm bath and cleaned her butt. Trimmed her feathers. She really seemed to like sitting in the warm water. Her bottom is slightly red and after her bath, she was doing a lot of pooping. Her abdomen is very distended. I cleaned her cage and clean water with antibiotics and hoping for the best.

 

[Pathfinders]

There's a good thread here on acites: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/68731/laying-hens-with-water-belly-or-ascites

Hope she gets better soon!

 

[Almichfarmgirl]

I unfortunately made the decision to euthanize her. I tried lots of advice regarding her and now I believe that she has ascites and she is not doing well. I have given her a warm bath, given her a clean cage in the house, clean food and water. I hate to see her suffer, although she is still drinking and eating, she is now experiencing labored breathing, her comb is turning purple, most likely from lack of oxygen and she is getting very sleepy and her eyes are closed a good amount of the time. Although my heart says keep trying, my practical side and knowing that she is suffering and would not like to live that way, I have decided to let her go. With tears, I asked my husband to take care of her since I can't do it. I want to thank everyone who offered advice. At least now, I can go forward and know that I have learned a great deal from this experience and I hope it doesn't happen again.

Michelle

 

[casportpony]

So sorry!

-Kathy

 

[Pathfinders]

Oh Michelle, I am sorry. I think you made the best decision you could for her, and it certainly sounds as if you did everything you could to help her, so please don't feel badly that way.

It's never easy.

 

[Almichfarmgirl]

Thank you so much for your concern. My husband and I are now going to focus on bringing our 6 younger hens into the barn, after we do some major fall cleaning this weekend. Any advice on moving chickens to new quarters? Background: They have socialized with our other hens and have been lovingly introduced to Mr. Kahuna, our rooster when they are outside roaming free. But in the evening they all know where they belong. The 6 go in the coop outside and the rest head to the barn. Now we need to move them to warmer, dryer quarters for the winter. Thanks for any advice. Hoping to ease the stress for all.