Panting, Limping, Pulsing Vent Area

[chickenlady2017]

I have a 2 year old chicken who just started limping or raising her leg and breathing with her mouth open. She got up on the roost tonight but was breathing with her mouth open and gave a little cough (but just one). When I noticed the limping I saw that her backside was pulsing - very noticeably.
I checked her out, no bumps on her feet and nothing appears broken.
It's been 40 degrees for about a week.. not sure if this has anything to do with what's going on.
Some extra info:
She is one of 9 hens and we also have a roo
She is free ranging
She hasn't been laying
Any help would be really appreciated! Thanks!!

 

[micstrachan]

How long has she not been laying? Please examine her for the following:
• Crop function - It should be full at night and empty in the morning
• Body condition - Check that her breast muscle isn’t wastingvaway with a pronounced keel (breast) bone
• Abdomen (Fluffy area below vent & between legs) - Is it bloated with fluid?
• Overall stance - Diss she have fluffed or ruffled feathers, tucked and/or bobbing tail, shortened neck, or any other unimusual posture?
• Is she eating/drinking/breathing/pooping normally? How do her droppings look?
• Check for external parasites, preferably at night with a flashlight
• Can you have her droppings rested by a Vet for internal parasites?
• How well has she been handling the heat?

If you can answer some of these questions, it might get us pointed in the right direction. Right now the possibilities are kind of wide open. Based on her age and lack of eggs, I lean toward a laying disorder, but really can’t tell without moreinformation. I look forward to your response.

 

[micstrachan]

@chickenlady2017, how is your girl?

 

[ChickNanny13]

 

[chickenlady2017]

Thanks so much @micstrachan
She doesn't seem to be different in any way (other than the limp and lack of laying) but the no laying thing is just a guess since I have multiple birds. The thing is she is eating well - but does look like she has lost a bit of weight.
I let her range today but when it was time to put them in for the night she was alone under a big tree. My rooster still rounded her up though to bring her in...
I think I might bring her in for a bath and a once over tonight... will keep you posted.

 

[Vice Chick]

I am having the same problem but my girl looks like she has some diarrhea.I am no expert but it does feel like she has some fluid built up in her abdominal area...And matted poop in her feathers...

 

[ChickNanny13]

I am having the same problem but my girl looks like she has some diarrhea.I am no expert but it does feel like she has some fluid built up in her abdominal area...And matted poop in her feathers...

You should start your own post so the replies don't get mixed up ... Just a thought.
How old is she? What are you feeding? When did she last lay? Is she free ranged? Is she eating/drinking/pooping? Is she one of many? Is she a new addition? Have you added any new birds? Is she drinking alot of water? How's the weather conditions; rain/ temp/humidity?

Can you take a picture of her diarrhea? What color? Is it all the time or just once in a while? It's not cecal poop?

If you're feeling "fluid build up in her abdominal area", assuming it's squishy? It's possible it's Ascites, Egg Peritonitis or some kind of reproductive issue .... Research in the forums, searching Reproductive Problems. Hope someone with more experience can be of more help.