Hi from Glos. Question re. hens and buildup of clear fluid i
- Thread starter Glenys7
- Start date
Hi Glenys and welcome to the Forum.
I've moved your topic to the Chickens Health section, as I think you may get more replies there.
This swollen abdomen problem is quite common in older hens, particularly in hybrid layers that have always laid regularly. As they reach the end of their laying ability, they are prone to complications such as egg peritonitis, which can cause the symptoms you describe. See the article in the main Poultrykeeper website, here http://poultrykeeper.com/reproductive-system-problems/egg-peritonitis
I'm sorry to say that for such hens the future isn't good, and if indeed the hen has this complaint it will cause considerable suffering and there is no cure possible. Of course this may not be the case with your girl, people on here who haven't seen the hen can only suggest possibilities , and only a vet could give you a definite diagnosis. If you do take her to the vet and he or she says she has a limited time to live, of course you have the option of letting him put her to sleep painlessly if you're not up to the job yourself.
I've moved your topic to the Chickens Health section, as I think you may get more replies there.
This swollen abdomen problem is quite common in older hens, particularly in hybrid layers that have always laid regularly. As they reach the end of their laying ability, they are prone to complications such as egg peritonitis, which can cause the symptoms you describe. See the article in the main Poultrykeeper website, here http://poultrykeeper.com/reproductive-system-problems/egg-peritonitis
I'm sorry to say that for such hens the future isn't good, and if indeed the hen has this complaint it will cause considerable suffering and there is no cure possible. Of course this may not be the case with your girl, people on here who haven't seen the hen can only suggest possibilities , and only a vet could give you a definite diagnosis. If you do take her to the vet and he or she says she has a limited time to live, of course you have the option of letting him put her to sleep painlessly if you're not up to the job yourself.
chrismahon
Well-known member
Hi Glenys7 and welcome to the forum. We've had a hen with a swollen abdomen which I thought was peritonitis. She responded to antibiotics but didn't lay again. We've just had another and she has sorted herself out, but we are now waiting to see if she lays. Bit puzzled by the 'clear fluid' though. Is she oozing clear fluid, as that could be egg white from a broken egg stuck in her vent (we have a Leghorn with this repeatedly). Problem is the damage caused by the broken edges of shell. As Marigold suggests, this will need a vet's diagnosis and treatment.
Hi, again, many thanks for 2 replies. I have kept hens for over 50 years and have never seen this before. The 'clear fluid' was post mortem investigation. Now I have another case and realise its just because I am an old softie and don't like putting down my old faithfuls. Have to say the hens do not appear to be suffering except slight difficulty in walking but obviously their time for chicken heaven has come. Thanks again.
