I just took an older Hen 5-6 years from a friend bc the rest of the flock was taken from predators. I'm pretty new to raising chickens. I don't know what breed she is. Haven't had to deal with many health issues with my flock. This hen may have mites on her feet and her abdomen is not right. I gave her a warm soapy bath scrubbed her feet and rubbed with olive oil, and about to give probiotics and deworm, but it seems from what I've read there isn't much you can do about the abdomen except draining with a needle and vet consult/antibiotics and likely a bigger issue. Her comb and everything seems pretty healthy tho? I ran out of gloves, hence the bags. Any feedback would be appreciated.
It's possible she could be suffering from ascites or internal laying. There are many reproductive disorders in hens that are common. I have a hen with a similar back end like hers, although the front view of your hen looks much worse than mine. My hen seems to get along okay, stays with her flock ranging or hanging out under their favorite pine tree, and roosts at night. When she dies, I will probably do a necropsy to look at her abdominal contents to try and confirm internal laying, egg yolk peritonitis, ascites, or another disease. Antibiotics really are not effective in treating those things, although many do try them. Most antibiotics used in chickens will no longer be available over the counter by the end of this year. I would probably try to make her as comfortable as possible, and let her live out her life. If you want to try to drain her abdomen of fluid, if she is suffering from ascites, here is some info for you: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/853726/ascites-in-desperate-need-of-some-help-and-guidance (see post 4) https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/638821/ascites-swollen-squishy-abdomen-with-pics-video-page-9/80
Okay, Thank you. Trying to keep her comfortable, and will continue I have to treat her mites on the feet before she joins my flock, in which she'll have more space. I'm thinking that may take a bit, though. I may try to drain the fluid when I can find a willing participant. I feel like 2 people would be much easier and more comfortable for her. Your response is much appreciated.
Two person draining is easier. Laying your girl on her side with a towel over her head helps alot too. I fetched help but I think I could have drained that particular hen on my own. She is a NH Red and she was drained mid Aug(?) ish and she has been fine since. Still gets the window seat on the roost
