Sick hen

[Wolfgangcluck]

I have a 4 year old hen that has recently fell ill. Her belly is bloated...squishy not hard and she is waddling like a penguin. Is she in pain? What should I do to help her with any discomfort?

 

[Sally PB]

@Eggcessive @Wyorp Rock @azygous
Can you help, please?

 

[Starburst]

It sounds like your hen may have water belly or sour crop. Is it possible you could post a picture of her? That will help determine what's going on.

 

[Wolfgangcluck]

I certainly will tomorrow in the daylight. Can it be sour crop if its more located in her belly not really where her crop would be?

 

[azygous]

You describe ascites, water belly, or liver disease. It causes fluid retention in the abdominal cavity, located just in front and between the legs. This will push the legs apart and cause the chicken to walk or waddle like a penguin.

There is no cure for it, but water can be drawn out subcutaneously with a large hypodermic needle to give temporary relief. It isn't a complicated procedure, and can be done by you with some instruction and precautions. If you have a vet, it would be a simple and quick procedure.

The fluid will return, and could be done again, but ultimately, your hen won't be able to survive much more than another year before other organs begin to shut down as her liver is.

 

[azygous]

 

[Eggcessive]

Hens with egg yolk peritonitis, and some other reproductive disorders can walk upright, with a wide stance, and waddle when their abdomens are full and distended from a disease. Ascites is another cause, and can be from the reproductive issue, cancer, liver, or heart failure. All are common in hens. Here is an article about egg yolk peritonitis:
http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/egg-peritonitis