Hi! I have a standard Buff Brahma hen who is 2 1/2 years old. She has been very healthy and by far one of my best show hens. Yet, in the past few weeks her bottom has become more bloated and has red stretch marks on the bottom. When I feel it with my hands it feels like its filled with some sort of liquid yet is still hard to the touch. She doesn't seem to be in pain or anything, possibly uncomfortable though. She is slower than before and is now usually last out of the coop and her legs are more wide set. In case there is a correlation she's had a few problems with bumblefoot in the past few months but this problem is all but gone. I really am not sure what might be causing such severe bloating. I've never had a case this puzzling. Any advice is appreciated! -Owlgirl
Sorry that no one answered you earlier. Hens can suffer from ascites or fluid in the belly from many causes. Tumors and internal laying could be other possible causes of the abdominal swelling. In ascites, the increased fluid can cause shortness of breath and pain with the pressure. The fluid can be removed, if there is ascites, occasionally with an 18 gauge needle. Can you post a picture of the swelling?
