older hens dying

[chikita]

my 3 and a half year old Wyandotte has become lethargic and listless. she has breast muscle wasting, distended abdomen and bluish purple comb. as of yesterday she was still showing interest in food. we have had other hens with similar symptoms die recently. any thoughts? thanks

 

[seminolewind]

Did the other hens die exactly the same way? What do they all have in common? Could they be eating something bad for them?

 

[cafarmgirl]

The symptoms you describe, with the blue comb/distended abdomen are often associated with ascites (fluid build up in the body cavities) and also possible heart or other circulatory problems as well. One can cause the other: ascites can be due to several different major illnesses and the fluid buildup can result in poor function of the heart and other major organs. On the flip side, a heart problem or other major organ disease can in turn cause ascites. The poor circulation results in the bluish comb. Tumors/cancers can also have the same effect. The ascites is also a common side effect of internal laying issues. None of these ever has a good outcome.

Another consideration: Could she be carrying a heavy load of internal parasites? Are they on a regular deworming program?