SWOLLEN ABDOMEN AND YELLOW LIQUID

[Cierabug]

My red star hens abdomen has been red and swollen for the past three days. Her vent and abdomen are red and can be seen straining. I tried to feel for an egg, but didnt feel anything. She has stopped trying to leave the coop an now just sits down all day with her eyes closed. She also has yellow liquid coming out of her vent. She was eating when this started but has since stopped. Does anybody know whats wrong with her ? Can she be helped or is it best to just put hee down ?

 

[Folly's place]

So sorry, it's time to say goodby. She's miserable and won't recover.
Mary

 

[Cierabug]

So sorry, it's time to say goodby. She's miserable and won't recover.
Mary

Ok , thanks for replying. Do you know the best way to do it ? I've never had to put one down before.

 

[Folly's place]

If you can do it yourself, cervical dislocation is fast and not difficult. If you can shoot her in the head, a 22 is fine. Or, take her to your veterinarian.
So sorry!
Mary

 

[coach723]

I'm so sorry about your hen, I agree that it sounds like she's past helping. This is how I do it:
https://www.muranochickenfarm.com/2017/06/the-easiest-way-to-cull-chicken.html

 

[Cierabug]

If you can do it yourself, cervical dislocation is fast and not difficult. If ydou can shoot her in the head, a 22 is fine. Or, take her to your veterinarian.
So sorry!
Mary[/QUOTE
Do you know what might have caused this or what this might be ? I want to make sure i can prevent the rest of my flock from getting sick.

 

[Folly's place]

Nearly nobody selects breeding stock with longevity in mind, it's all about either production or good looks. Chickens are bred at one year of age, which is most efficient/ economical for the breeder.
High egg producing hens in particular tend to have reproductive disasters at an early age, and many hens of many breeds are sick/ dying by age three. It's sad!
Major abdominal surgery is very difficult in birds, because they are so sensitive to being anesthetized for more than ten or fifteen minutes. An avian specialist may try it, but it's tough. Treatments and surgeries that are successful in mammals just aren't usually in birds. Aside from the cost!
My youngest bird with an abdominal disaster was a five (or six!) month old bantam, who had a uterine infection. My oldest hens have been ten years of age, and many haven't lived that long.
Do your best to provide a nice environment and good food, and enjoy them for who they are.
Mary

 

[Cierabug]

Nearly nobody selects breeding stock with longevity in mind, it's all about either production or good looks. Chickens are bred at one year of age, which is most efficient/ economical for the breeder.
High egg producing hens in particular tend to have reproductive disasters at an early age, and many hens of many breeds are sick/ dying by age three. It's sad!
Major abdominal surgery is very difficult in birds, because they are so sensitive to being anesthetized for more than ten or fifteen minutes. An avian specialist may try it, but it's tough. Treatments and surgeries that are successful in mammals just aren't usually in birds. Aside from the cost!
My youngest bird with an abdominal disaster was a five (or six!) month old bantam, who had a uterine infection. My oldest hens have been ten years of age, and many haven't lived that long.
Do your best to provide a nice environment and good food, and enjoy them for who they are.
Mary

Thanks for the tips and explanation , I think I'm gping to try to ne more careful with the breeds and stock i pick from now on. She lived for almost 5 years so at least thats longer than 3.

 

[Folly's place]

Five years is a respectable age, especially for a production red!
Mary