This can't be eggbound, can it?!

[raro]

Hello,

My red sex-link has been the most placid, sweet girl for the past several years. She has mostly stopped laying due to age. A few weeks ago I wondered about her seeming to becoming heavier when I lifted her up. Then, a few days ago, I noticed that she was REALLY heavy and couldn't fly up the 12 inches or so into her coop. I examined her, and realized her entire front, down to her vent, is swelled up hugely. She is now waddling. But she eats okay and doesn't act like she is in pain. I can't feel an egg or anything lumpy...it's just a smooth, extremely inflated abdomen...My son is actually worried that she might explode, and it does look like there's a balloon inside her! I've given her baths (she just stands there and makes quiet purring noises, perfectly content). I've tried palpating the area but don't want to cause her discomfort.

Can anyone tell me what on earth is the problem? Could it be a tumor? She is looking more like a penguin each day! I'd love to take her to the vet, but there isn't one within a hundred miles who takes chickens!

 

[nurse_turtle]

Probable ascites. You may be able to drain it. Research on how to drain it, if you determine that's what it is. A 20 or larger gauge needle on a 60cc syringe will work. I would insert the needle (bevel side up) just under the skin where it feels the fullest. You're gonna need a helper. Draw back on the syringe. Fluid which would indicate ascites will most likely be a clear yellowish color. If there's any cloudiness to it, it could indicate infection.

 

[raro]

Nurseturtle, I just started looking that up (never heard of it except in humans with cancer!) and that sounds exactly like what she has. Where do you get the syringes?! Would a pet store have them? Tractor supply?! I'm not squeamish and I've dealt with kids' booboos for decades, so I'm not worried about trying it. I just want to do it right.

 

[featherz]

Nurseturtle, I just started looking that up (never heard of it except in humans with cancer!) and that sounds exactly like what she has. Where do you get the syringes?! Would a pet store have them? Tractor supply?! I'm not squeamish and I've dealt with kids' booboos for decades, so I'm not worried about trying it. I just want to do it right.

Tractor supply should have syringes and needles (although if you have a nurse friend they could get you the really super large ones LOL). It does sound like she has ascites, which is a symptom of something else. Could be fatty liver or internal laying, but whichever it is draining it will make her feel better. Prognosis is not good, but others here have kept ladies going for quite a while by relieving that water pressure.