Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Staffordmum]

... on a Bank Holiday weekend??

 

We rescued an elderly chicken last Summer and I believe she was responsible for the softies. They haven't been seen for a while and so we considered she was finally in retirement so to speak - either that, or someone's eatin' them! She's always been a big and feisty bird, only knocked down the pecking order since the recent arrival of our 4 Lohmanns.

 

This morning I went out to find her breathing heavily, wide legged, hunched up, tail down and with a darker comb than usual - distinctly purple in fact (lack of oxygen?). I spent the rest of the morning reading up about peritonitis and such like - after first seperating her from the flock.

 

She has the swollen belly I've read all about and it feels fluid as opposed to solid. I also understand there's a possibility of an egg being stuck - but drew the line at "investigating" this due to the possibility of causing her any further distress.

 

She's been wormed and continues to eat and drink.

 

Is there anything else anyone can suggest before I have to resort to the vet?

I did call them, it went straight to the out of hours emergency service. And, whilst I personally don't consider this an "emergency" - I obviously don't want to see her suiffer any longer than is necessary.

 

Kind rgds,

 

Pat & Steve

[Egluntyne]

Sorry to hear it, but I'm guessing that your diagnosis is correct.

 

I've had umpteen ginger hens go this way.

[Laura & CTB]

Sorry but it does sound like peritonitis, both my original girls had it, she needs a trip to the vet.

[Plum]

Agree but you can palpate to see if an egg is stuck and maybe use some lubricant or warm bath to give some relief.