Water belly Question

[murielmarie]

Hi everyone,

My 3 year old New Jersey Giant hen, big Mama, is suffering from water belly. If I’m being honest, I believe it could have even been there last year but just not to this extent.

Today, I drained it for the first time. I got 40ccs out and then left the needle in for it to drain for 5-10 minutes. Pulled out the needle and now it is still draining.

She seems content and “thinner.” My question is, how often should I be draining her? I will for as long as she is comfortable.

I posted pictures as I was shocked at the amount…

 

[Eggcessive]

I would just watch her for any signs of labored breathing or discomfort, to know when to drain. I never drained mine with it, except once, although it is a good way to confirm water belly and not salpingitis or some other problem. There is always a chance of infection or death with draining, and it won’t cure the underlying reason they have it. Liver disease from fatty liver, cancer, salpingitis and egg yolk peritonitis, and heart failure are the usual reasons for ascites /water belly. When they die, I always open the abdomen and look at the organs to try and find the reason.