Water bottom on hen?

[Chickychels]

Hello chicken people!

I have a ~1 year old Cream Legbar hen. Pretty reliable layer until about a month ago. She tried to go broody + it was very hot, so I attributed those factors to the no huevos. Has completely normal dispostion: she eats, drinks, and is active. Today I picked her up and it feels like she has a water balloon in the area below her vent, over the hip bone area. Any idea what this could be or how to help her?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hello chicken people!

I have a ~1 year old Cream Legbar hen. Pretty reliable layer until about a month ago. She tried to go broody + it was very hot, so I attributed those factors to the no huevos. Has completely normal dispostion: she eats, drinks, and is active. Today I picked her up and it feels like she has a water balloon in the area below her vent, over the hip bone area. Any idea what this could be or how to help her?

Welcome To BYC

Do you have photos?

Sounds like she may have some fluid in the abdomen, but if she's eating/drinking active, then I'd monitor her.

If you notice signs of lethargy, labored or gurgled breathing, difficulty walking - a clear decline, then you can attempt to drain the fluid from the abdomen to offer supportive care and relief. Fluid in the abdomen is a symptom called Ascites, this fluid is usually due to organ dysfunction and/or reproductive problems.