Weird large bump on my hens belly

[Chicken Whisperers]

The feather loss is all down her back. Every time she fluffs out her feathers probably about fifteen fall out

 

[rebrascora]

It could be that the swelling is due to a tumour on her ovary that is affecting her hormones. It is good that she has the strength to mount another hen, I suppose .... not totally at death's door. It is more common than you would imagine for a hen to mount another hen. My second in command is a terror for it. She is a very dominant bird but lightweight, being a leghorn cross, so she doesn't hurt them or damage their feathers and she is my best layer, so we all put up with it!

 

[Chicken Whisperers]

I have never seen her do it before. I didn't know hens did that. She's a very hearty bird, and the last time I weighed her she was 7.8 pounds. Should I weigh her again to see if there's a change? Does weight have anything to do with it?

 

[Chicken Whisperers]

We are going to see a vet and hope there's something they can do

 

[rebrascora]

Please let us know how you get on at the vets. It is educational for all of us to hear the outcome of such cases.
Brahmas are a heavy breed but ascites certainly can make them a lot heavier than they should be. Sometimes there can be more than a pint of fluid built up in them which will add at least an extra lb to their weight.

 

[Chicken Whisperers]

Ok thank you

 

[Chicken Whisperers]

We will be taking her to the vet on Tuesday. I will let you know afterwards. Until then, thank you guys for the advice and support!