No butts about it!

[Soujrnr]

We brought Lucy up to the house for her spa day because she appeared to have a bad case of crusty butt. I cleaned her tush really well, and trimmed a few feathers. This is what she looks like. I felt for a bound egg and looked closely at her booty. I didn't see anything that I would consider out of the ordinary (mites, scabs, bites, and such). It just looks a bit red and sore, but she hasn't been acting strange or anything. I just wanted to post these photos and get your thoughts because I'm not a chickenologist. Does anything look amiss to any of you?

 

[aart]

1st pic looks like there's a great swelling back there.

 

[Soujrnr]

Here are two more photos of her roaming in the yard. Her butt does look swollen even more in these photos.

 

[Soujrnr]

Also, when I gently squeeze that softball-size lump, it's very soft and squishy. It's not hard, and she doesn't react. She is eating and free-ranging fine. No lethargy or odd behavior at all.

 

[aart]

it's very soft and squishy.

Like a water balloon?
Ascites, or water belly, symptom of a infection or disease.

 

[Soujrnr]

Yes. Sort of like a water balloon.