Should I drain my hen?

[ezeo]

A month ago, I took my hen to the vet for ascites. The vet drained a lot of fluid and the hen was much better after that. Thread about that here: https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...r-reproductive-problem.1351340/#post-22274156

The fluid is building up again. She is eating and drinking and roosting on her own, but it looks uncomfortable. Should I drain her myself? Has anyone accidentally killed their bird this way? Taking her to the vet is not an option right now.

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

I drain ones of my elderly hens twice and all was well.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Should I drain her myself? Has anyone accidentally killed their bird this way? Taking her to the vet is not an option right now.

Many of us cannot afford or make it to a vet. If you are comfortable and that's what's in your heart then yes, I would do it. Sorry you face this.

Accidental death could occur, I'm sure. She's essentially dying anyways.just very slowly. So do your best to keep her comfortable OR dispatch her humanely as she will hide her discomfort as long as she possibly can.. Make every day great and have one bad moment that's over before SHE knows what happened. Ascites is not a condition that goes away. My understanding is caused from liver failure... Is prolonging her life actually benefiting her or causing suffering... just to make YOU feel better? Only you know the answer to that! It's ALWAYS a tough choice for me...

So I consider the good of the whole flock and keeping the week around to invite predation, parasites, and maybe more disease goes against actually keeping a flock strong... Protecting other livestock/pets.. that's how some folks including myself do it. I would dispatch. But I TRY to help folks with THEIR situation.

Hang in there, and do YOUR best whatever that is. Hope she gets relieved quickly when the time comes!

 

[ezeo]

She's essentially dying anyways.just very slowly. So do your best to keep her comfortable OR dispatch her humanely

She had blood test and ultrasound done at her last appointment. Kidney/liver were fine, and the vet did not see anything that looked like cancer. I originally considered having her euthanized, but the doctor said it was a reproductive disorder that could probably be managed for months, or years. So that's why she's still here.

All of us are essentially dying, very slowly. My question was more of a risk-management one. What is the likelihood of success or failure if an amateur tries to drain a hen with no experience besides watching some youtube videos? Is it sort of like popping a blister, or more like performing heart surgery?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

What is the likelihood of success or failure if an amateur tries to drain a hen with no experience besides watching some youtube videos? Is it sort of like popping a blister, or more like performing heart surgery?

After reading the other thread... I have to agree that the risk of introducing bacteria during puncture could be problematic, and also avoiding organs as stated and nor am I a veterinarian. Sorry, I've never done ascites draining.. but I've done blisters which you can see mostly and even veins, which you can't see but still gotta hit the right area, like to draw blood. More like drawing blood than open heart surgery, but maybe with a larger pocket to aim for maybe yes like a blister. As nice as it is to have an ultrasound machine, life isn't perfect.. when you're on the battlefield, ya gotta try.

You obviously care about this chicken very much! Whatever you choose to do, I know will be what you thought was best and to the best of your ability no matter the outcome!

According to my recent research it looks like the ascites is (also) possibly a side effect of heart failure ultimately.. since your scans were clear. (Thanks for detailing prices!) If you aren't able to take her in for draining every time it needs to be done, then the choice is clear.. you either drain her or she will pass a bit sooner. I didn't mean any rudeness or coldness by saying that earlier.. more intended as a support towards acceptance. This look like an informative site in case you hadn't already come across it..

https://timbercreekfarmer.com/ascites-in-chickens-and-ducks-water-belly/

Sorry I can't be more help.

 

[Palogal]

Desperate times, desperate measures. I drained a hen last November, an 18 month old Australorp. She did appear to have the remains of a shell-less egg dangling from her vent. I soaked her, removed the egg remains, gave a long acting antibiotic, and drained her after watching a you tube video. It was an easy procedure and she is still here and happily laying.

 

[ezeo]

Well I finally did it. The fluid had grown to the point where she was having trouble breathing. It was surprisingly easy, I stuck the needle in and she completely relaxed and went to sleep. Drained about 300cc in total. There was more in there, but the needle slipped out and I didn't want to stick it back in.

She hopped up immediately and started eating and drinking. I put her outside, and after a couple hours she started acting "dizzy". Couldn't balance on the roost, just wanted to lie down. Her comb completely wilted and turned dark at the tips. She spent the next 3 days lying down and sleeping, barely eating or drinking. Her poop was white diarrhea with bright green bits. Totally thought she was about to die.

Then on day 4 she perked up and started eating like a pig. Now she's running around like nothing ever happened. I guess she went into shock and then snapped out of it? I have read about lots of other people draining their hens, but never anything like this.

 

[Palogal]

Well I finally did it. The fluid had grown to the point where she was having trouble breathing. It was surprisingly easy, I stuck the needle in and she completely relaxed and went to sleep. Drained about 300cc in total. There was more in there, but the needle slipped out and I didn't want to stick it back in.

She hopped up immediately and started eating and drinking. I put her outside, and after a couple hours she started acting "dizzy". Couldn't balance on the roost, just wanted to lie down. Her comb completely wilted and turned dark at the tips. She spent the next 3 days lying down and sleeping, barely eating or drinking. Her poop....
I would suggest only taking off less than 100cc to avoid throwing her into shock. Better to take 2-3 days to drain her.