Author Topic: Chicken and Duck with swollen abdomen - please help (Read 4426 times)

Lizzy2 · « **on:** May 12, 2014, 11:28:42 am »

I need advice about my chicken and duck that have developed swollen abdomens.....please help. The hen is just about standing with the use of her wings to balance her. This is all very sudden with the hen and I noticed she was slow yesterday, taking sips of water but the swelling has developed overnight and now she has very little movement. The swelling is probably preventing her from sitting. The duck on the other hand has had this swelling for a few days but gets around with the other ducks walking, eating and drinking as normal and sitting.
I want to help them both to recover so any thoughts about what the swelling could be and what to do would be useful.

Thank you,
Liz

shygirl · « **Reply #1 on:** May 12, 2014, 12:31:57 pm »

no idea, but have they had access to rat poisons or anything like that?
change in diet?

Steph Hen · « **Reply #2 on:** May 12, 2014, 01:01:18 pm »

What does your vet think?

Lizzy2 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 12, 2014, 01:21:16 pm »

They haven't been exposed to any poisons.

I rang the vet this morning and his charges begin at £18 just to look at her without any examination or medication. The same charge for the duck.

doganjo · « **Reply #4 on:** May 12, 2014, 01:26:02 pm »

Find another vet!

This might help - sounds like bloat but can have different causes

http://www.hobbyfarms.com/livestock-and-pets/6-causes-of-chicken-swollen-abdomen.aspx

funkyfish · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2014, 01:40:15 pm »

Peritonitis usually, not usually a good outcome. Needs vet treatment.

shygirl · « **Reply #6 on:** May 12, 2014, 02:21:53 pm »

why would 2 get peritonitis at the same time funkyfish?

Lizzy2 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 17, 2014, 07:07:05 pm »

Just thought you would all like to know that my hen has survived and is doing well. Eating and drinking and strolling around the farm yard.....great to see.
My duck is still the same no change eating, drinking and walking around as normal.