sick 6 year old hen

[sidlou]

My old hen seems ill. She is not active, stands with her eyes closed and has soiled feathers from what appears to be loose stools. She normally loves watermelon but now just picks at it. Her abdomen feels large and "squishy" almost like there is fluid there. Help. What do I do?

 

[Eggcessive]

Egg yolk peritonitis is pretty common in older hens. Symptoms can be losse droppings, no appetite, loss of weight in breast area, sometimes swelling from egg masses or fluid in abdomen, problems walking, and labored breathing. Antibiotics have little effects, unfortunately. I would make her comfortable and think about culling if she seems to be suffering. A vet could help you diagnose her if it something other than EYP.

 

[sidlou]

Thank you for your reply. So there is NO treatment for this?