4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[jellykelly]

One of my three original hens is looking a bit peeky. She's been a bit off for the last two days but not appearing to be unwell as such.

Last night I gave her a cuddle and a full look over. She has a swollen abdomen, quite solid like a football. She also smells a bit like sour poo (she could have laid in some though). She hasn't assumed the John Wayne stance yet so I'm hoping it's nothing serious and maybe a softy on the way.

Her crop was empty yesterday evening so i brought her in and offered some sweetcornm which she devoured. Once inside I did notiice the tips of her comb were tinged purple.

The only other thing that i noticed with her is that her feathers feel really dry, not silky as they usually feel. Any ideas???

[Christian]

Swollen abdomen could be a couple of things, but my first thought is peritonitis. A trip to the vet is in order, especially if she isn't eating on her own.

[Olly]

You haven't said how old she is, but my guess would be that it may be peritonitis, as Christian says. The purple tinge to her comb may indicate that her heart isn't working as well as it should. I agree, a trip to the vet is your best bet.

[jellykelly]

She's only around 18 months old - poor little thing. My first though was peritonitus however I really expected to see a low slung John Wayne walk. There is a small amount in her crop now so she has been eating, and she's not withdrawn nor hunched up or anything.

The purple tinge that was affecting the tips of her comb is less obvious now. I will keep an eye on her and see how things go - but as I say, she doesn't seem too unwell, just a little out of sorts.

[Chucky Mama]

If she still has a 'tight' abdomen it will really need investigating as it could be full of fluid. There may be some circulatory issues associated with the tightness causing the slight blue tinge to her comb. I have a hen with peritonitis (about the same age) that was drained 2 weeks ago. I fully expected her to refill within a week but she is really well (I know it will be short lived though). She was pretty full of fluid and did not adopt the John Wayne stance. She was hunched and miserable with a floppy comb. Fingers crossed for your girl Jelly

[Egluntyne]

I agree, she needs to be seen. I had a young hen develop peritonitis last year. It is unusual, but not unheard of.