Sick hen with drooping stomach, lethargy, and more please help

[TLMchick]

Hi, we have a sick Silkie named Creampuff that has become ill
She does not want to walk, her legs tend to push out when she stands, and she rolls over a tiny bit when she lays down. Other than that her abdomen seems a bit swollen and she seems very tired but still alert. I've tried looking it up but the possible diagnosis range from not too severe to a death sentence.

None of our other hens have the same problem and Creampuff's illness only showed about two days ago.

So far we have fed her, let her sit in warm water and now she is under a heat lamp in a box. She does not appear to want to sit as in the box she has her chest pressed up against a corner and her legs are still supporting her.

We have checked for a stuck egg by pressing on her abdomen lightly but we did not feel anything.

Any thoughts? Thank you for any advice you care to share.

 

[DuckPro]

@aart can help.
Sorry about your hen..
Best hopes for your silkie

 

[TLMchick]

thanks @TheCuteOrpington , I've asked aart for help.

small update: We've just noticed a egg shaped bulging at her rear end though we don't feel or see an egg
also she's eating some

 

[DuckPro]

thanks @TheCuteOrpington , I've asked aart for help.

small update: We've just noticed a egg shaped bulging at her rear end though we don't feel or see an egg
also she's eating some

Okay! Sorry I can't tag aart again- he got quite mad lol

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She does not want to walk, her legs tend to push out when she stands, and she rolls over a tiny bit when she lays down. Other than that her abdomen seems a bit swollen and she seems very tired but still alert.

Hi @TLMchick Welcome To BYC

How is your girl doing?
How old is she?
Can you post some photos of her - preferable under natural lighting, not under the heat lamp - a photo of how she is laying down, photos of poop too

Are the legs splayed in an odd manner?
The abdomen swelling - is it hard, feels like it's fluid filled, etc.?
When was the last time she laid an egg?


It's hard to know what's going on, but having a swollen abdomen, being uncomfortable and not wanting to sit, tiredness, lameness (not wanting to walk) sounds like a it could possibly be an internal laying/reproductive disorder like Egg Yolk Peritonitis, Ascites, cancer or tumors. A vet can xray the abdomen to see if there are any masses.

Do the best you can to keep her hydrated. Add some poultry vitamins if you have them.

http://www.chickenvet.co.uk/health-and-common-diseases/egg-laying-issues/index.aspx