Unsecure chicken perches

[FoxFighters]

I'm fairly sure Ginger has sterile peritonitis, mucky bum, bit off things, hasn't laid for months etc.

We took her to the vet a couple of times when she seemed to go downhill and got antibiotics and probiotics for the diahorrea and she seemed to perk up a bit and she has seemed ok - ish for a couple of months.

Now I notice she has got a bit squashy underneath (a sure symptom) and I've noticed she's breathing quite heavily when she's perching.

Obviously if she gets really poorly I'll have to take her back to the vets but I was wondering if anyone else had any experience of Sterile Peritonitis and if there is ever a happy ending?

 

Any help gratefully received!

[The Dogmother]

I'm afraid that it's not uncommon in high-yield hybrids. The abdomen will be turgid and full of fluid, this presses on the internal organs and will eventually cause organ failure. It can be drained, but TBH it's a one-way street and I have left it until they become affected by it, then despatch the hen.

[Chucky Mama]

I have a hen that has it. She is 4 months down the line. She was drained in June when she was looking rough and has for all intents and purposes been normal since then - obviously no eggs. There is a wee bit of fluid there now so we may look to draining her again in the next week or so. It seems that a lot of vets give antibiotics and leave the fluid there. I really don't think that there is much point doing anything unless they are drained. The antibiotics wont get rid of the fluid and they wont feel well until the fluid is removed.

[FoxFighters]

Thank you for all your help.I think I'll take her to the vets to get the fluid drained.

[miller30]

Hi my chicken henrietta was last drained in january when i thought she was gonna die. She was so rough but i didnt want her put to sleep as she has had so many problems in the nearly 3 years we have had her and all ways recovers. So i think she dosent want to die as she seems to be a fighter. She has good days and bad but at the mo she seems good she also will breath heavily now and again. Good luck with your chicken leanne.