So I’ve had 3 other hens in the last few years that developed ascites during their (short) lifetimes, and have successfully tapped their abdomens for comfort.eventually they either died or were culled. I’ve drained this ones’ belly once before, maybe a few months ago, but she has blown back up again. She also has all the telltale signs.....she’s pretty slow and lethargic, pants, squats under things to rest, just looks overall unhappy and uncomfortable.
Just now when I was washing her bottom of clumps of poop (another of her issues) her belly and comb were turning dark purple, as she just was so stressed.
Anyway, while giving her a good once over, I noticed that she’s also go bilateral bumblefoot! From the pics I’ve seen, it’s advanced! And I think another sore on the pad of a toe.
I just don’t know what to do. She’s only 3.5 yrs old, a backyard mix that I hatched, but due to her organ issues, I doubt she’s even laying anymore. I have had to cull probably 4 hens in the last year, and I don’t understand WHY I’ve had young (2-3 yr old) hens develop these issues with their bellies? What’s the etiology of this? Is this hen (w/ the bumblefoot etc) going to suffer more than benefit if I try to “fix” her at home? I’m torn.
Any advice or personal experience (esp w/ bumblefoot) would be helpful. And I’ll post some pics in a minute.
Just now when I was washing her bottom of clumps of poop (another of her issues) her belly and comb were turning dark purple, as she just was so stressed.
Anyway, while giving her a good once over, I noticed that she’s also go bilateral bumblefoot! From the pics I’ve seen, it’s advanced! And I think another sore on the pad of a toe.
I just don’t know what to do. She’s only 3.5 yrs old, a backyard mix that I hatched, but due to her organ issues, I doubt she’s even laying anymore. I have had to cull probably 4 hens in the last year, and I don’t understand WHY I’ve had young (2-3 yr old) hens develop these issues with their bellies? What’s the etiology of this? Is this hen (w/ the bumblefoot etc) going to suffer more than benefit if I try to “fix” her at home? I’m torn.
Any advice or personal experience (esp w/ bumblefoot) would be helpful. And I’ll post some pics in a minute.