Swollen abdomen, not egg bound, lethargic

[Eggcessive]

I would leave her alone if she is laying, and acting herself. Ascites treatment or removing fluid can introduce bacteria into the belly and can be risky to do if not needed.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She has quite a large abdomen. It may be fluid filled, a lot of fat, egg matter in there, etc.
If she seems to be doing o.k. for the moment. I think I would leave her be and monitor her.
You could try a detox as explained HERE to see if that makes any difference.

Also, I would inspect the skin and vent regularly, keeping it fairly clean. Flies like to lay eggs on such an exposed area and if there's any weakness in the tissue or poop accumulation, maggots will have something to feed on.

 

[saym]

I really can't say,but someone else may know alot more about it..My experience was that they were fine after the pressure was relieved..but it sounds like you didn't hit the spot where you can suction out the fluid. Glad she is better!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Glad to hear she's doing better.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Question for the experts .... when you say to give a chicken electrolytes, what exactly do you recommend? I mean, can you give a chicken GatorAde? Or is there something else that's really just for chickens? I know GA is high in sugar.... thanks.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Question for the experts .... when you say to give a chicken electrolytes, what exactly do you recommend? I mean, can you give a chicken GatorAde? Or is there something else that's really just for chickens? I know GA is high in sugar.... thanks.

There are electrolytes for poultry/livestock you can purchase at TSC.
You can also give a little Gatorade. The purpose of electrolytes is to give a boost to a sick/weak/exhausted chicken - so they are fine to use the first 12-24 hrs, imho.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

There are electrolytes for poultry/livestock you can purchase at TSC.
You can also give a little Gatorade. The purpose of electrolytes is to give a boost to a sick/weak/exhausted chicken - so they are fine to use the first 12-24 hrs, imho.

Thanks, @Wyorp Rock ! That,x good to know. I'm gradually building a first-aid for cjickens kit.

 

[lexibarb]

I would leave her alone if she is laying, and acting herself. Ascites treatment or removing fluid can introduce bacteria into the belly and can be risky to do if not needed.

 

[lexibarb]

Thanks, was thinking the same but didn't want to be negligent if treatment needed. Really appreciate the feedback.