swollen chicken

[2004siera]

A few days ago one of our exbat chickens was so swollen all over her abdomen an chest - it all looked sort of bluish and so uncomfortable that we put her down. I thought it was a stuck egg that had got very infected that i hadn't spotted...
Today however , i see another chicken with what looks like the same thing starting but the swelling is in her chest - all swollen, watery feeling and turning that weird bluish colour.
They both were found outside looking sorry for themselves. Could this be a virus? - it seems an odd coincidence to have the same thing so soon after the last one. We have had them since June.
Anyone help? i can't feel an egg or hardness - just watery swelling that makes them swell like balloons....

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm sorry to hear about your sick hens. The fluid in the abdomen makes me think of Ascites or internal laying. Those problems are common in older production chickens. Or, I suppose it could be some sort of infection. Have you tried using a syringe and needle to try and remove some of the liquid? I would perhaps purchase a strong antibiotic, like Tylan50 injectable, and treat them for infection.

 

[Wyandottes7]

I'm sorry to hear about your sick hens. The fluid in the abdomen makes me think of Ascites or internal laying. Those problems are common in older production chickens. Or, I suppose it could be some sort of infection. Have you tried using a syringe and needle to try and remove some of the liquid? I would perhaps purchase a strong antibiotic, like Tylan50 injectable, and treat them for infection.

X2. However, I believe that Ascites if usually an accumulation in the body cavity near the vent/abdomen, not near the chest.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would worry about a contagious disease. I would probably isolate the hen showing symptoms. Erysipelas can cause hemorrhage into organs of the abdomen and chest, but there are probably others. If you have a veterinarian or can get a necropsy done, I probably would check into it.