Okie dokie, I have finally been able to read the two links, one from
@Eggcessive and one from
@danceswithronin.
In Millie’s case, I believe the snapshot page, “Pathology of Older Laying Hens,” describes more of what I saw. Adenocarcinomas of the ovary seemed to hit the nail on the head, especially after I read about tumor growths affecting the duodenal loop. It is amazing I caught that, but it honestly is the first thing that jumped out at me. Though I did not take pictures, she did have enough amber colored liquid in her to consider her positive on the ascites front, even though not much would have drained if I had drained her.
Regardless of what I think Millie’s problem may have been, I have another hybrid, a Red Star, that won’t be with me much longer. She began having reproductive issues last year, about the time she turned two. About a third of the eggs she tried to lay I have had to help her release the egg shell. She would then go on her merry way as if nothing had happened.
She is still with me only because she is one of my OG’s (Original Gangsta
Hens.) Those first four, mostly just three of them (2 BO & 1 RS) have been so gracious to let me look, touch, tug, pull and probe on them, in my curiosity fueled investigations of the chicken body. I owe them so much, especially my Biscuit and my Butter. They are two of the best.
My newer chickens will not be afforded that opportunity. Once these same reproductive problems begin occurring in them, as in my OG’s, it will be time to cull. There is a certain amount of worry and work caring for such a girl, which is doable with four, but not 30. Not to mention it being counterproductive for my little egg business.
Once Miss Penny succumbs to whatever, I will send her off to the state for testing. The only drawback is I will not be able to see what her innards look like for any type comparison. However, it will be worth it to have a positive confirmation, one way or the other.
On a side note, I was planning to call Alabama AGI and be put on the list to have the state come and test my birds to receive an NPIP certification. After I process my six extra cockerels in a few weeks, that is.
Please let me know if I’m still missing something. I honestly did not know that any of these internal problems were/could be contagious to my other birds. Gosh darn it!
Great job finding out what happened to her. I always find peace of mind knowing for sure (when possible) what happened. And it (knowledge) sometimes helps with future birds knowing what may or may not be helpful or possible for treatment.
made a carcass “fart” 
a time or two. I try to get my DH to come look at something I’ve found and to no avail. He’s a lightweight. 
I think he’s really afraid I might do something to him.
I hope not, cause I drink it too!
