Water belly

[Feather Locklear]

Hello, several of my 2.5 year old Rhode Islands and 1.5 year old Cinnamon Queens have come down with water belly. I have been treating by draining, giving Nutri-Drench, and have started mixing Kickin Chicken supplement in their feed. They do not like the Kickin Chicken but hopefully will get over their pickiness. I bed their house with shavings and straw. I clean it out every three or four days. Any suggestions on what would cause several hens to develop this condition while others are fine. Could this be a genetic issue? I bought them all as chicks from a well known hatchery. Thank you

 

[BigBlueHen53]

What do you feed?

 

[MysteryChicken]

Hello, several of my 2.5 year old Rhode Islands and 1.5 year old Cinnamon Queens have come down with water belly. I have been treating by draining, giving Nutri-Drench, and have started mixing Kickin Chicken supplement in their feed. They do not like the Kickin Chicken but hopefully will get over their pickiness. I bed their house with shavings and straw. I clean it out every three or four days. Any suggestions on what would cause several hens to develop this condition while others are fine. Could this be a genetic issue? I bought them all as chicks from a well known hatchery. Thank you

The vitamins, & fatty acids aren't gonna help much with this.
Water belly is chronic, & it's usually just better to put the bird(s) down when they get it. Even those birds who get it managed end up being put down in the end, cuz there's no cure.

Water belly can be due to Heart issues, liver problems, & reproductive diseases.

 

[Mountain Roost]

What is the protein percentage of your feed? Too much protein over a long period can cause water belly (also known as Ascites).

 

[MysteryChicken]

What is the protein percentage of your feed? Too much protein over a long period can cause water belly (also known as Ascites).

I feed high protein feed, never once did I have water belly caused by it. Only water belly cases I've had were due to reproductive issues, or Congestive Heart Failure in a few birds.

 

[Mountain Roost]

For sure issues with the kidneys and liver are the root cause but breaking down excess protein can be overwhelming for these failing organs.

 

[Mountain Roost]

I feed high protein feed

curious...what is the percentage you are calling high?

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. Have you ever had a mild respiratory disease, such as infectious bronchitis, in your flock. I did when mine were under a year old, and I dealt with a lot of reproductive disorders and ascites when they were 2-4 years old. Have you seen any unusual egg shells, soft on one end, wrinkled or misshapen shells? Water belly is usually from liver problems related to reproductive disorders, cancer, and fatty liver disease. Could you describe what they are eating?

 

[AshVau22]

Good information from Google. How's the ventilation in your coop? For so many to be effected it's probably diet or environment. I'd check for mold as well in feed/water dishes and coop. Make sure the bedding is dust/mold free.

Main Causes

• • Rapid Growth & Genetics:
    Fast-growing broilers' lungs and heart can't match body growth, needing more oxygen, causing heart strain.
    
  • Environmental Stressors:
    Poor air quality (ammonia, dust), high altitude (above 3,000 ft), extreme temperatures, and overcrowding increase oxygen demand.
    
  • Nutritional Issues:
    Excess sodium in feed/water, high-energy diets, or mycotoxins from mold can trigger it.
    
  • Infections:
    Bacterial toxins (like from E. coli) can damage lungs and increase blood pressure.
    
  • Lung Pathology:
    Diseases or mold infections (Aspergillosis) narrow lung capillaries, forcing the heart to work harder.
    

How it Happens (Simplified)

1. • Factors like fast growth or poor air increase the heart's workload to get oxygen to tissues.
     
   • This raises blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
     
   • The heart can't handle the pressure, leading to heart failure.
     
   • Blood backs up, fluid leaks from the liver (or other vessels) into the abdominal cavity, causing the "water belly".
     

Signs to Look For

• • Bloated, sagging abdomen
  • Panting, difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
  • Lethargy, huddling, or isolation
  • Pale or bluish combs/wattles (cyanosis)
  • 
    Prevention (No Cure Once Developed)

• • Manage environment (ventilation, temperature).
  • Balance diet (reduce sodium, check for mold).
  • Avoid rapid growth in broilers.
  • Ensure good hygiene.

 

[MysteryChicken]

curious...what is the percentage you are calling high?

20% occasionally I feed 22% - 24% Protein if a certain feed I usually buy isn't available.