Need help diagnosing...

[HenOnAJuneBug]

One of my 2-y/o hens has a problem that I'm not really sure what to do.

• She waddles like she's uncomfortable walking
• Yesterday and today she sits when she eats scratch
• She's probably my heaviest hen
• Her bottom side is noticeably bloated
• She has runny poo that sticks to her feathers

This happened a few months ago and I started adding vinegar to the water. It seemed like she eventually got better. I checked for egg blockage (I forget what it's called) both then and now, and didn't find anything (that I could tell). I'm not sure where to go at this point. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Kiki]

I'm sorry she isn't feeling well.

When is the last time she laid an egg?
Adding vinegar to the water is not going to help...it's not a cure all.


What do you normally feed your flock.
Fat hens are not usually healthy.

Sounds like she may be laying internally.
Is taking her to a vet an option?

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

I have no idea when she last laid an egg.

I have Purina Flock Raiser in feeders. I feed the flock scratch in the morning and evening (maybe 1 cup per 30 birds each feeding). IN the morning they also get 6-8 scrambled eggs and some slightly fermented wheat berries.

Vet is not an option.

 

[Kiki]

Read this and see if it sounds like it could be her problem.
http://www.theveterinaryexpert.com/backyard-poultry/egg-yolk-peritonitis/

 

[HenOnAJuneBug]

Those symptoms don't really sound like her. She's very muscular, feathers look good, she free ranges all day. She has always seemed a bit heavy and low to the ground, but she keeps on keeping on. But something is obviously wrong. Maybe I can get a picture of her rear end.

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you provide crushed oyster shell or egg shells to help them lay hard eggs? It is necessary if not feeding the layers layer feed. You may want to make sure that her chicken feed makes up 90% or more of her diet. It does sound like she could have internal laying or egg yolk peritonitis, both of which are common in older hens. Here is some reading:
http://scoopfromthecoop.nutrenaworld.com/laying-issues-internal-layers-and-peritonitis/
http://www.theveterinaryexpert.com/backyard-poultry/egg-yolk-peritonitis/

 

[Carson20034433]

I had a golden laced Wyandotte die of obesity bc she was free ranged also... she wouldn't lay eggs after she became obese and she died from collapsing of her lungs and had a massive heart attack I would definitely take her to vet!!! If you want to save that chicken it's gonna be death or the vet!!!! Good luck ~ carson

 

[Carson20034433]

It sounds to me that she is obese in which they won't lay eggs and will eventually die....... like I said from collapsing of lungs or massive heart attack which my gen had both

 

[Chicken_Guru]

Could be egg borne, might have to go to a vet to get the egg out.

 

[Carson20034433]

If y'all have a chance can y'all go take a look at my thread I'm in deparate need of help!!