Should I take my chicken to the vet?

[Unicorrnhoodlum]

Shes gone now. Thank you all for trying to help.

 

[ShannonR]

Sorry.

 

[Eggcessive]

Very sorry for your loss. It is unfortunately a very common cause of death in hens.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Shes gone now. Thank you all for trying to help.

I'm sorry for your loss

 

[Granitestater]

Vet care would be pretty expensive, and it might be hard to find one familiar with chickens or draining water belly (ascites.) Most vets like mine, charge $30-40 just for an exam, not including anything else they do. If they xrays, that would be $100 more, and I never can get away without medicines.

It can be hard to know for sure that it is fluid in the belly, and not internal laying, egg yolk peritonitis, or cancer. At her age, she is probably getting close to the end of her life. Draining a hen is invasive, and although it might relieve some pressure, it won’t cure the problem. I would make her comfortable and either attempt one more draining, or think about putting her down. Use a 16 gauge needle for draining and look for yellow fluid. Here is a video that you and your Mom might want to look at:

Wonderful video. What a lovely woman. Helpful.