Swollen abdomen, lethargic, puffed

[jessg84]

I have a 4 year old buff Orpington. Yesterday I noticed she was puffed up and standing in a corner. This morning she was again puffed up and standing in the corner of the coop staring at the wall. She is very lethargic. I noticed today that her abdomen is swollen and hard. I was thinking maybe she is egg bound but not sure, I don’t believe she has laid an egg since she molted this winter. I tried to feel for an egg but did not feel one. I gave her calcium and am soaking her in an epsom salt bath. Any suggestions? Maybe it’s not egg bound but ascities?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry about your hen.

Is she able to poop?

If you don't feel an egg and her abdomen is swollen, she's not laid eggs in a while and she's not feeling well - then I would suspect she's showing symptoms of a reproductive disorder. Cancer, Peritonitis, Salpingitis, etc. are common in laying hens. The bloat/swelling could be fluid (Ascites) which is a symptom. Sometimes fluid can be drained to help make the bird more comfortable and extend life.
I would work on getting her hydrated. If she's lethargic, then I would not soak her anymore - keep her warm.

 

[micstrachan]

Excellent advice from @Wyorp Rock. I hate to say it, but I think a reproductive problem is highly likely here. Did she ever seem to get her laying hormones back after winter? Meaning, did her comb and waddles turn nice and red and plump, did she start vocalizing more, and did she do the submissive squat?
Also, can you tell us if her breast muscle seems to be wasting away? Is an Avian Vet an option for you?
If she were mine, I’d take her to an avian vet. If she were mine and I did not have the luxury of an Avian Vet, I would probably hit her pretty hard with a heavy duty broad-spectrum antibiotic and anti-inflammatory’s. Otherwise, I would seriously consider putting her down. I’m so sorry. I wish I had something more positive to say.
Some chicken keepers have luck draining the abdomens of their own hens when this happens. It can offer some temporary relief for the hen. It doesn’t cure anything, but it can make them more comfortable.

 

[jessg84]

I have had her isolated for over 12 hours and she has pooped twice. I don’t believe she has laid since she molted. Her comb and waddles are nice and red and she always squats even when she is not laying but not squatting now. I don’t have an avian vet. Is there an antibiotic I can buy at a farm store?

 

[jessg84]

Thank you for the advice. I was able to get Penicillin injectable from Tractor Supply. I can’t say she is out of the woods yet but definitely improving every day. On Saturday morning she was gurgling a little and I thought that was it but after a second dose it went away. She seems to be eating and drinking normally now. She is back to being the first hen to run over when I bring out treats. She is more active and not sitting fluffed up. It’s hard to say for sure but I think her abdomen is a little less swollen.

Excellent advice from @Wyorp Rock. I hate to say it, but I think a reproductive problem is highly likely here. Did she ever seem to get her laying hormones back after winter? Meaning, did her comb and waddles turn nice and red and plump, did she start vocalizing more, and did she do the submissive squat?
Also, can you tell us if her breast muscle seems to be wasting away? Is an Avian Vet an option for you?
If she were mine, I’d take her to an avian vet. If she were mine and I did not have the luxury of an Avian Vet, I would probably hit her pretty hard with a heavy duty broad-spectrum antibiotic and anti-inflammatory’s. Otherwise, I would seriously consider putting her down. I’m so sorry. I wish I had something more positive to say.
Some chicken keepers have luck draining the abdomens of their own hens when this happens. It can offer some temporary relief for the hen. It doesn’t cure anything, but it can make them more comfortable.

 

[micstrachan]

That’s great news. Be sure to finish the course of penicillin (though I don’t know what the course would be, as I have not used penicillin.) I have had decent success using lily of the desert aloe detox (4mL per day for three days) to help with swelliing. The swelling takes time, so ypu could also wait and see. I’m so glad to hear her behavior has improved!