One of my buff orpingtons might ppDIE!!!

[4BuffOpingtons]

My little sisters BO could potentially DIE (well, that's what my parents told me). I'm really worried she (the chicken) is really bloated this might be due to a swollen abdomen, plus she keeps falling too her left whenever she stands or tries to walk. Anyway, is there anything I can do too prevent this happening to the families other four BO's?
What can I do to help poor Petsie the chicken?
Should we take her to the vets or what?

 

[venymae]

If you have an avian vet by all means take her in!

 

[4BuffOpingtons]

We don't have any sort of vet but I'm sure we can get one THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!❤

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

Sorry you are having trouble. Your parents could be right.

Sounds like possible egg yolk peritonitis, internal laying, or water belly maybe? Though if it's hard it could be egg binding.

A regular vet may not be able to help you. But if you find an avian vet, maybe if isn't too late.

How old are your girls? The things I mentioned I think are genetic and therefor don't think anything other than standard care will work for the others. But I am also here to learn!

If it is EYP or internal laying they may be able to give her a shot that stops her from laying. Anyways, hopefully this will give you some idea of things to look into.

Wish I could be more help.

 

[biophiliac]

@Wyorp Rock , @Eggcessive ,@rebrascora ?
Tagged some members who know more than me.
Better to post these problems in the Emergency section next time
The fluid may need to be drained from her belly.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

(the chicken) is really bloated this might be due to a swollen abdomen, plus she keeps falling too her left whenever she stands or tries to walk.

Hi @4BuffOpingtons I'm sorry to hear about your hen.

How old is she?
Do you have any photos?
When was the last time she laid an egg?

The swelling of the abdomen - does it feel hard, soft/squishy or fluid filled.
Having a swollen abdomen is usually an indication of internal laying/reproductive disorders like Egg Yolk Peritonitis, Ascites, cancer, tumors or Salpingitis. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of balance, not eating/drinking, swelling/bloat of the abdomen, difficulty walking and shortness of breath.

Unfortunately, if she is suffering from one of these, there is not a lot you can do. Antibiotic treatment is usually not effective. If she has a lot of fluid, sometimes this can be drained to give some temporary relief.

http://www.chickenvet.co.uk/health-and-common-diseases/egg-laying-issues/index.aspx
https://poultrykeeper.com/reproductive-system-problems/

 

[rebrascora]

I'm so sorry your hen is sick.

You have been given some good advice already. I would just like to add that vets are expensive and many know less about chickens than some knowledgeable members of this forum. Wyorp Rock has summarised the situation very well. Unfortunately it is extremely unlikely that even an avian vet could save this girl and I would hate for someone to run up a large vets bill when there is little to no hope, so please don't put pressure on your parents to seek veterinary treatment for her unless you are financially very comfortable. The best that you can do is possibly drain her yourselves if your parents can help you and youk it may be a fluid build up (there are you tube videos that demonstrate how to do it) or euthanize her as it sounds like her quality of life is becoming quite poor.
I'm really sorry that I can't give you much hope for her, but there is nothing to suggest that the others will suffer similar problems provided they have a healthy diet..... not too many treats or scratch as, just like us, they can suffer from obesity and health problems as a result. Not saying that is the problem with your hen, but fatty deposits caused by bad diet can develop around the organs and cause a number of issues, even though the hen may not look fat. We all love to treat our hens and they certainly love treats, but make sure they are just a very small treat (just 5% of their daily intake) and alternate with healthy treats like fruit and veg and insects/bugs. The majority of their diet should be a complete poultry feed like layer pellets/crumble/mash or grower/flock raiser. Scratch/mixed corn, bread, rice pasta, cakes or biscuits etc are treats and should be given very sparingly.

Best wishes

Barbara

 

[aart]

Hi @4BuffOpingtons
The swelling of the abdomen - does it feel hard, soft/squishy or fluid filled.
Having a swollen abdomen is usually an indication of internal laying/reproductive disorders like Egg Yolk Peritonitis, Ascites, cancer, tumors or Salpingitis. Symptoms include lethargy, loss of balance, not eating/drinking, swelling/bloat of the abdomen, difficulty walking and shortness of breath.

Unfortunately, if she is suffering from one of these, there is not a lot you can do. Antibiotic treatment is usually not effective. If she has a lot of fluid, sometimes this can be drained to give some temporary relief.

Ascites is 'water belly', a symptom that can be caused by any of the other ailments listed. Usually fatal. Have seen many try to drain the belly, but it most often only prolongs the suffering(of both bird and keeper). I've had a few.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @4BuffOpingtons I'm sorry to hear about your hen.
If she has a lot of fluid, sometimes this can be drained to give some temporary relief.

Ascites is 'water belly', a symptom that can be caused by any of the other ailments listed. Usually fatal. Have seen many try to drain the belly, but it most often only prolongs the suffering(of both bird and keeper). I've had a few.

I agree - draining can sometimes prolong the suffering of a bird, and yes, the heartache too - especially when extra care is given and this makes you become even more attached. Been there too. I have not drained a bird yet, but nonetheless have babied a couple along with repro issues - once they stop eating for a day and stand looking miserable, they are put down. Each one I've opened up has had some form of internal disorder. The last one, was active the day before, eating well, but I found her dead in the coop - must have not been more than a short bit before sunrise, she was still warm. She was full of eggs and fluid, I still open them up, just so I can see (sounds morbid, but it does give a little piece of mind) - this video by @speckledhen is very informative and well done
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ions-my-youtube-video-graphic-photos.1201052/

On another note - depends on what's going on - some people do seem to have more success with the draining and bird can live longer, but I would think a lot depends on how much fluid, whether there are egg masses, etc. and when the condition began. The draining is usually coupled with antibiotic treatment (also depends on how quickly the bird fills back up with fluid). Suprelorin injections like @rebrascora mentioned can also be helpful but that is $$$ and needs to be stayed on top of every 3-6months. Lots of factors to consider. But for me, keeping them comfortable - if they still move around, preen/dust bathe, eat/drink and seem fairly bright within themselves I just wait and watch.

 

[aart]

I open mine up too, one was intestinal tumors(mareks or luekosis), one was reproductive system issues(not sure exactly what), both those had bright yellow fluid.
Last one fluid was clear and no apparent serious organ issues, maybe I caught it sooner rather than later to she had had some laying issues(shell gland was bit funky).