My hen has an extremely bloated tummy.

[Silentheartxo]

I have 6 hens and one RIR hen has been sulking around for a few days. Today i actually got the chance to look over her. Her tummy is extremely boated... almost like she's pregnet! But obviosly thats not possible. I felt her tummy to see if there was a egg in case she was eggbound. Felt nothing. The bloated area is more between her legs so she walks uncomfortably. Anyone have an idea of what's wrong with her and what i can do to help her?
Thanks!

 

[chickenchickenbulkbulk]

I'm sorry that I can't help. I have a Light Brahma that has had big lump on her front since she was about 2 months old. It looked like clear liquid or blister. Runs from her crop to her leg on her right side. She is now 8 months and she still has it. She acts just like all of the rest of them. I quit worrying about her. I hope you figure out what is wrong and that she will be alright. Good Luck DeeJay

 

[MommaLyd]

Oh my....your poor baby! I have no idea what might be going on...is she eating at all? Pooping??? I had so much trouble finding people who knew anything about chickens when one of mine was having trouble. Guess you're just expected to put them down if they are sick. Maybe with so many people raising more and chickens, more and more answers will be available. I hope somebody can help you. Please keep us all posted.

 

[justusnak]

I have a RIR/Australorp hen, same thing. Bloated between the legs, and when I pick her up, she whimpers a little. I brought her inside...and gave her several warm baths..and rubbed her tummy GENTLY. Then to the dry warm towels...under the vanity in the bathroom. I did this for 2 days. Her poo is white, sorta looks like cooked eggs...and a little black in it. I know, gross. Her comb was turning slightly black on the tips...like she was not getting enough oxygen. After 2 days of warm baths...about 5 a day....fresh water and chick crumbles...she is better.I kept her inside about a week. She is up, walking..and back with the flock. I hope yours recovers too.

 

[ruth]

I have a hen who fills with water (Ascites) and I drain her about every three months. She originally got as big as a giant water balloon and the skin was starting to tear before I attempted the first draining. I use the largest syringe I can buy at feed store with the smallest needle. Insert in bottom of water balloon bag, toward the backend, and withdraw liquid. Once I've made a few holes, they start leaking on their own and she will drain by herself for a couple of hours. She leaks just like a water balloon with holes.

My hen seems to fill with plain, clear water and a draining can get a cupful or more out of her then she's good to go for another two or three months or so and I have to do it again. She lays eggs and I have no idea why she suffers from Ascites.

 

[silkiechicken]

If you do try to drain, but get nothing, it is also possible she has a tumor or growth in the ovaries that you can't fix without a hysterectomy.