sick chick-tumor-skin splitting

[chickeniegirls]

I just joined and don't know how to use this forum, so I hope this gets posted.

My 3-year-old barred plymouth rock hen has had a large swollen posterior below her cloaca. Her butt hangs really low to the ground. The chicken anatomy illustration I have tells me its near the small intestines. Her behind is swollen as big as an orange with the skin stretched thin, discolored and scabby. She's been this way for several weeks, but it didn't seem to bother her.
I spent hours looking for symptoms in my chicken diseases book. but found nothing similar. We ended up just putting her in the tub, washing her bottom, rubbing it with bag balm, and hoping the swelling would subside.

Today. the skin has split, looks bloody and it looks like something is coming out. Not pus or liquid, but something light-colored and solid like fat. Now she seems dazed and isn't eating.

I believe she has some kind of large tumor. I would like to euthanize her humanely at home, but don't know how. Is there a kind hearted person out there with some good advice?

Suzi

 

[justusnak]

It could have been she was egg bound? Has she been laying? If you really want to put her down....the fastest way...is the old chopping block. No suffering. You can also take her to the vet, and have it done there, with a shot. Im so sorry this has happened. If she is egg bound, a good message in warm water should help expell the egg. Then cover the split skin with an antibiotic ointment.
Whatever you decide...good luck.

 

[dlhunicorn]

... it does sound like perhaps egg-binding with prolapse however you said it has been this way for several weeks??? The chance of infection then is very high... go to a vet immediately is my advice...she will need antibiotics (if it isnt too late)...I am so sorry not to be more positive about this but at this point you need professional help if you want to save your bird.

 

[eggchel]

Suzi,

Taking a bird to the vet for treatment or to be put down is expensive and not always practical. I, personally, would only take a bird to the vet if it was a very rare or valuable bird, or a very special pet. And even then, only if I thought that there was a chance to save it without extraordinary measures or expense. There are several ways to euthanize your hen at home when you feel that the bird is not going to recover or is suffering.

Cutting off the head, breaking the neck, or cutting the jugular vein are all quick and effective.
Unfortunately, those are all hands on methods and can be difficult if you are fond of the bird. I have tried several times and find that I dont have the strength, or the knack, to break the neck on the first try.

In future I will go probably use an ax or machete, as my sister does.

Some people use Ether, in the form of Engine Starter Fluid (available at automotive stores). Soak a rag with the starter fluid and then put the rag and the bird into a container with an airtight lid, such as an ice chest or a painters bucket with a tight lid. The container should be as small as the bird will comfortably fit into to minimize the airspace. The ether fumes should put the bird to sleep permanently. It is only supposed to take a short time, but I'd leave the lid closed for a half hour just to be sure.
I havent tried it, personally, but it is supposed to be just like being put to sleep by an anesthesiologist in the old days, just an overdose.


Im sorry about your bird.

Chel

 

[CarriBrown]

I'm so sorry about your girl.

I had to put one down that I raised from a baby and I could not do it with my hands (if she were food, that would be another story, I think).
I did the bucket with ether soaked rags for a half hour then buried her in the veggie garden. My hubby's grandpa gave us a big rock he found that is red and shaped like a heart. We used that as her headstone.
If your girl is very special, I would take her to the vet, but I know that is sometimes not an option. At this point, I would be very concerned about infection.
Good luck, and hugs to you and your girl.

 

[silkiechicken]

It is possible that she has ascities (one of mine does) which is a problem that can be caused by heart or liver failure. I would personally just put her down. My hen who has ascities still eats and has meat on her so I figure a desire to live. I've had to put down birds too that were pets but only did so when I saw they were suffering and lost the desire to live in their condition.