Swollen abdomen

[Sophiemtb92]

Hi need urgent advice!

One of my chickens has become very ill very suddenly. She has stopped eating, very lethargic, constantly laying down and has a very swollen abdomen. I have looked on the internet causes of this and it's come up with water belly etc caused by poor ventilation but I look after my chickens very well and they are free range so I do not understand. Has anyone had the same problem or know anything I could give her?

 

[cafarmgirl]

"Water belly" is ascites, fluid accumulation in the body cavities. It has nothing to do with ventilation but is caused by any one of several major problems, none of them good or fixable. This can range from internal laying and peritonitis to heart/respiratory problems or problems/diseases of other major organs.

We have, unfortunately, dealt with this quite a bit here and I feel the kindest thing to do is put them down. By the time they are showing signs of advanced illness they are feeling really crummy and there just is no cure for the things that can cause this condition. We've gone the route of treating them, giving antibiotic's and draining the fluid. All it does is prolong the issue, they've all died in the end.

Sorry I don't have more positive info. for you.