update on fat hen

[eraf]

I am sad to say that she died this morning. She stopped eating so I knew it was just a matter of time. Whatever the growth was it swelled up into her crop area and she was unable to keep anything down. I am at a loss. This is the second old hen I have had die like this. Does this happen in older hens or am I doing something wrong? ANy help would be appreciated.

 

[horsejody]

I just read your other thread. 3 years old isn't that old. Is it possible that your chickens are obese and suffering congestive heart failure or organ damage? Are they maybe internal layers?

 

[eraf]

They have always been heavy layers. After the last molt they slowed down. These two stopped laying altogether right before the edema started. It did not seem to be fat but squishy like liquid. I figure edema of some sort. The first one I thought it was a tumor. Now I am not so sure. The other hens seem fine so far. How can you put an obese hen on a diet?

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
They may have been fat before the edema. If your hens need a diet, just give them layer pellets and no treats.

 

[eraf]

How can you tell if they are fat for a hen?

 

[horsejody]

With my hens I just feel and make a judgement call. Different breeds have different builds. Maybe someone else can chime in with a better method. What do you feed them? How many treats do they get? What breed?