Possibly An Internal Layer *GRAPHIC PICS*

[Mimi13]

Usually, if the fullness in their abdomen is hanging low between their legs, then there is a fluid element and it can be drained..... the fluid sinks to the lowest point because it is heaviest and the egg yolks which contain a lot of fat float above in amongst the intestines. In my experience internal layers can go for months or even more than a year laying internally without EYP developing, but the sheer mass of eggs eventually causes issues. Drainage of ascites will usually buy the bird time but comes with a risk of introducing infection, even if you sterilise the site well because you can always nick an intestine with the needle as well as the risk of shock, but it can give dramatic and almost immediate relief to the bird if successful. I would do it sooner rather than later if you suspect ascites because the greater the pressure and fluid build up before you start, the greater risk of shock from removing it.
Good luck if you decide to go for it and let us know how you get on. The above video posted by Wyorp Rock is my favourite on this subject because the lady has such a down to earth approach.

First off, I absolutely agree with you about watching that video. I think the lady’s approach is why I watch it so much. She simply amazes me.

I’m not completely convinced that draining my hen would give her much relief, if any. I just have a feeling her bloated belly is more of a solid than a liquid. Just my “momma’s intuition.” I did wonder though how long a hen could live as an internal layer. I guess that really is my biggest question.

But, as our temps are quickly rising here in Alabama, I think I’ll be able to quickly ascertain how much her breathing is affected. I know the additional mass of whatever it is must be crowding her other organs making it harder for her to breathe. I am also going to closely monitor her droppings, even though I haven’t noticed anything out of the norm so far.

Thank you for all this information. It definitely will help me in deciding when I’ll need to “take care of business.”

 

[Mimi13]

That is really the sad thing - that we don't want to jump the gun and euthanize when a chicken appears to be enjoying a more-or-less normal life. This is one reason I try different treatments before I face the ultimate decision.

Absolutely.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I’ve just held off simply because she in no way seems in distress; however, I also don’t want to get to the point of her being in distress. Such a fine line.

Believe it or not I have watched that video numerous times. In my mind, if ascites was the problem, I would have been willing to drain her. However, after reading the responses thus far, I don’t believe that, alone, is what I’m dealing with.

as our temps are quickly rising here in Alabama, I think I’ll be able to quickly ascertain how much her breathing is affected. I know the additional mass of whatever it is must be crowding her other organs making it harder for her to breathe. I am also going to closely monitor her droppings, even though I haven’t noticed anything out of the norm so far.

Sometimes it's a hard decision to make.
@Eggcessive has had a few hens live with swollen bellies for a good while, she may want to chime in. I've some too, the longest I petted one of mine along was around 8 months after I noticed symptoms, I evaluated her daily. She did not have what I would call labored breathing though, just the swelling/bloat and she stayed for the most part moderately active, but once you see it, you know it's coming.

Good for you to be determined to take a look. I agree with Barbara, seeing these things in person is a learning experience. It can also be heartbreaking too, but I think it makes you more appreciative of the sweet girls too. Please do take photos if you put her down, we will help you with what you see.

 

[Mimi13]

If you do decide to despatch her and perform a necropsy, we would be interested to see photos and possibly help guide you to a diagnosis. I know it is a decision that is easily put off and we usually do it later than we should. I find it helps to see what was going on inside them afterwards to know that I made the right decision and enable me to make the decision to euthanize with more confidence and knowledge in the future. When you find a massive lash egg inside a hen, you realise how much discomfort she must have been in etc. It is a good idea to assess the areas of abdominal swelling externally before cutting them open so that you can correlate what you feel externally with what you find internally. In my experience, Salpingitis with large lash eggs generally lead to swelling around and just below the vent... kind of pushing out the back end, whereas internal laying and ascites hang lower between the legs.
I'm sorry you have to make this difficult decision for your hen but it is part of the responsibility of keeping a flock and sooner or later you do experience these things and others like the Lymphoid Leucosis that azygous has to deal with and the Marek's in my flock.

Thank you very much for mentioning to look carefully on the outside before cutting. It’s the little things like that that make a big difference in these type situations.

I will definitely take step by step pictures of the necropsy. I, too, believe there is much to learn from exploring the inside of a sick bird, even if you have no idea what you might be seeing at the time. I will gladly accept any help in a possible diagnosis of my big bellied Buff.

Of course my main concern is if she’s really sick. What if I dispatch her only to find that she’s just overweight? That is a real fear, because as I’ve noted she is not suffering with many of the symptoms that have been mentioned. She simply has a large, very firm abdomen, is not laying, and has a somewhat labored breathing, like she’s overweight. Anything that is new or unknown to me makes me second guess myself and I suppose I need reassurance from those “who have been there” and can safely say, “Look Cheryl, your hen is very sick! Do both your chicken and yourself a favor and end her misery.”

 

[Kiki]

Thank you very much for mentioning to look carefully on the outside before cutting. It’s the little things like that that make a big difference in these type situations.

I will definitely take step by step pictures of the necropsy. I, too, believe there is much to learn from exploring the inside of a sick bird, even if you have no idea what you might be seeing at the time. I will gladly accept any help in a possible diagnosis of my big bellied Buff.

Of course my main concern is if she’s really sick. What if I dispatch her only to find that she’s just overweight? That is a real fear, because as I’ve noted she is not suffering with many of the symptoms that have been mentioned. She simply has a large, very firm abdomen, is not laying, and has a somewhat labored breathing, like she’s overweight. Anything that is new or unknown to me makes me second guess myself and I suppose I need reassurance from those “who have been there” and can safely say, “Look Cheryl, your hen is very sick! Do both your chicken and yourself a favor and end her misery.”

I have to say that if a chicken is not molting or older then she should be laying.
If she isn't laying then 9 times out of 10 it's for a good reason.

 

[azygous]

Here's what I suggest you do so we can better help you assess the state of Butter's health. Take a few photos of her going about her business. Get a closeup of her eyes and comb as she is loafing. If you have the means, a video of her walking would be very informative. Get a shot of her from behind and coming toward you.

What I've learned over the decade I've been keeping chickens is that a sick chicken won't call attention to themselves. But if you notice an otherwise talkative chicken having absolutely nothing to say, that's a big clue something's off.

Another clue is an otherwise busy-body who is usually in every other chicken's space standing off by herself, motionless. They might be nodding off or have their head tucked under a wing.

The big tip-off that a chicken is in internal pain is a tail held low and flat. Eyes may be at half mast. A chicken that has a sore foot or ear pain or comb pain as with severe frostbite will either be shaking their head, scratching at the painful extremity or pecking at it.

A preliminary sign of illness may be a change in poop appearance. You may not notice a chicken has stopped eating, but the poop will signal you because it will be mostly white and watery urates with some green bile floating in it.

So a photo or video can tell us a lot about a chicken's health and how they are feeling. This input from us could give you more information to make you more confident about your decision.

 

[Mimi13]

She did not have what I would call labored breathing though, just the swelling/bloat and she stayed for the most part moderately active, but once you see it, you know it's coming.

I guess this is the reassurance I’ve been asking for and all that I need.

Which leads me to my last question. (I don’t know where all these questions keep coming from.) When dispatching a bird for the purpose of a necropsy, what is the best way? I have only dispatched by cutting the jugular (to bleed the bird out.) Is it or is it not necessary for the bird to bleed out for a necropsy? It would seem to me that things would be clearer if all blood was drained, but here again I do not know. If the blood IS needed (to stay in the body), what is the best way to dispatch? Now I’m nervous. It’s all about the unknown.

Thank you again.

 

[Mimi13]

I have to say that if a chicken is not molting or older then she should be laying.
If she isn't laying then 9 times out of 10 it's for a good reason.

Yes, I agree.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Of course my main concern is if she’s really sick. What if I dispatch her only to find that she’s just overweight? That is a real fear, because as I’ve noted she is not suffering with many of the symptoms that have been mentioned. She simply has a large, very firm abdomen, is not laying, and has a somewhat labored breathing, like she’s overweight.

I guess this is the reassurance I’ve been asking for and all that I need.

Which leads me to my last question. (I don’t know where all these questions keep coming from.) When dispatching a bird for the purpose of a necropsy, what is the best way? I have only dispatched by cutting the jugular (to bleed the bird out.) Is it or is it not necessary for the bird to bleed out for a necropsy? It would seem to me that things would be clearer if all blood was drained, but here again I do not know. If the blood IS needed (to stay in the body), what is the best way to dispatch? Now I’m nervous. It’s all about the unknown.

Thank you again.

I do agree with @azygous photos or video of her as she is now and let us see her. It would also give you a reference to look back at for comparison if you decide to give her more time.

If you normally dispatch by cutting the jugular, then do that. I don't see where blood needs to stay in the body with a home necropsy.

 

[Mimi13]

Here's what I suggest you do so we can better help you assess the state of Butter's health. Take a few photos of her going about her business. Get a closeup of her eyes and comb as she is loafing. If you have the means, a video of her walking would be very informative. Get a shot of her from behind and coming toward you.

What I've learned over the decade I've been keeping chickens is that a sick chicken won't call attention to themselves. But if you notice an otherwise talkative chicken having absolutely nothing to say, that's a big clue something's off.

Another clue is an otherwise busy-body who is usually in every other chicken's space standing off by herself, motionless. They might be nodding off or have their head tucked under a wing.

The big tip-off that a chicken is in internal pain is a tail held low and flat. Eyes may be at half mast. A chicken that has a sore foot or ear pain or comb pain as with severe frostbite will either be shaking their head, scratching at the painful extremity or pecking at it.

A preliminary sign of illness may be a change in poop appearance. You may not notice a chicken has stopped eating, but the poop will signal you because it will be mostly white and watery urates with some green bile floating in it.

So a photo or video can tell us a lot about a chicken's health and how they are feeling. This input from us could give you more information to make you more confident about your decision.

Thank you for mentioning this and it is an opportunity I would like to take advantage of. I believe the weather should be decent tomorrow and I will take pictures and even a video.

A huge thank you to all who have provided feedback. I truly appreciate it. @azygous @coach723 @Wyorp Rock @rebrascora @Texas Kiki