The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Fleecewife on June 16, 2010, 03:56:35 pm

Title: swollen head and neck
Post by: Fleecewife on June 16, 2010, 03:56:35 pm
A quick question - does anyone know the cause and hopefully treatment for an otherwise healthy laying hen who has suddenly developed swelling (oedema) of her face, head and neck? We will catch her tonight at bedtime for a closer look.  I have read about this somewhere but cannot remember any details. As she is a special hen within our flock we would like to be able to save her but equally we don't want her in pain so will depatch her if necessary. Any ideas welcome - thank you.
Title: Re: swollen head and neck
Post by: Fleecewife on June 19, 2010, 04:54:15 pm
We checked with our vets about this and they think it must be either a sting or an allergy, as the hen continues to be perfectly happy, eating, free rangeing and laying.  So we are just waiting for it to settle - looks just the same so far, so we'll see.
Title: Re: swollen head and neck
Post by: little blue on June 19, 2010, 08:16:52 pm
hope she goes on alright    :)
Title: Re: swollen head and neck
Post by: Fleecewife on June 28, 2010, 11:56:27 am
It turned out to be air causing the swelling and not oedema and after an initial improvement she started to go down hill again so she was despatched.  RIP Mildred, layer of blue eggs and hen of great character  :(