migsy Posted July 15, 2012 Share Posted July 15, 2012 (edited) One of my ex batts has been walking like a duck for the last few days - sort of squatting with bottom near the floor. She seemed OK but I notice that she did not run over for sweetcorn this evening so she must feel unwell. I don't think she has laid for a few weeks (I only have one regular layer). Does it sound like egg bound or peritonitis? She has been chilling out in the sun on the lawn so she seems relaxed. Thanks. Edited July 16, 2012 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 Have you felt her undercarriage? Does it feel hot and swollen? That would suggest peritonitis to me (although I've not experienced an egg-bound hen). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted July 16, 2012 Author Share Posted July 16, 2012 Yes, her abdomen is enormously swollen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted July 16, 2012 Share Posted July 16, 2012 It sounds very much like peritonitis then - (or it could be a tumour & peritonitis) She will need to see a vet and some difficult decisions will have to be made about how you want to proceed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted July 16, 2012 Author Share Posted July 16, 2012 She doesn't seem too happy today. She is hunched and very slow. I had to put her in the run tonight. Looks like a one way trip Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted July 17, 2012 Author Share Posted July 17, 2012 I found this video on Google. It is a vet extracting fluid from a hen with egg peritonitis. It made me feel rather queasy. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5886172048737508337 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Not the nicest video to watch was it? Have you been to the vets with her yet? There are two types of peritonitis, sterile and septic. Both can be treated but sterile is 'better' as she can live much longer with that. I think both types will requite antibiotics asap. Good luck with her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted July 17, 2012 Author Share Posted July 17, 2012 Thanks Christian. I had her PTS as she seemed in quite a bad way and after watching that video I thought it would be cruel to prolong her life. Her abdomen was so swollen it looked bare and trailed on the ground. She lived for over a year after her rescue so I guess she did OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
counturchickens Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 What a shame. We lost one of our first girls the same way after a few months, I was heartbroken at least she had a good year with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
migsy Posted July 17, 2012 Author Share Posted July 17, 2012 She had a great year thanks. Loads of free ranging and eating grass. You can't get much better than that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
