Barred Rock enlarged butt

[Chickenladytryingtomakeit]

Hey there, I’ve read a few posts of people with this issue, but I’m just wanting some help confirming… I noticed the back side of my girl hanging low, bare, enlarged and red.

 

[Yardmom]

Did this happen suddenly? How is she acting?

 

[Chickenladytryingtomakeit]

Did this happen suddenly? How is she acting?

It’s honestly been enlarged for probably a couple months, but not this large. My husband seems to think it has, but I feel like I would have noticed it. I noticed the bare butt and redness a few months ago, but it surely wasn’t hanging that low to the ground and so enlarged. She seems to be acting fine. She’s my most docile bird, and that hasn’t changed. I’ve seen her eating and getting out with the other ladies.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hey there, I’ve read a few posts of people with this issue, but I’m just wanting some help confirming… I noticed the back side of my girl hanging low, bare, enlarged and red.

Welcome to BYC!

If external parasites and feather plucking by the flock have been ruled out.. It *may* be an early symptom of ascites which is otherwise commonly known as water belly. I have a 2 year old white rock currently displaying the same thing and have seen it even earlier in a lavendar Orpington. In both instances at least for me, there must be some genetic predisposition. As it's a progressive condition, not all symptoms (like heavy breathing) may be seen. My white Rock for example is only displaying the red, bare, bottom.. but is close to top in the pecking order, very active including laying, and parasites have been ruled out, including treatment just in case.

Link is only a novice example, please use your best judgement before applying any treatments or drawing any conclusions..

https://thecapecoop.com/water-belly-ascetis-in-chickens/

 

[aart]

Looks like a full blown case of ascites.
Have you felt it, is it hard or does it feel like a water balloon?

 

[Eggcessive]

What do her poops look like? Are the normally white urates yellow in color? Does she still lay eggs?

 

[Chickenladytryingtomakeit]

Looks like a full blown case of ascites.
Have you felt it, is it hard or does it feel like a water balloon?

Thank you - I’ve been reading threads for over a year and just joined. You all are so helpful! I’m going to go out there tomorrow and do some investigating, I’ll get back to you.

 

[Chickenladytryingtomakeit]

What do her poops look like? Are the normally white urates yellow in color? Does she still lay eggs?

Poops are normal as far as I could tell. I did sit out there today and she walked around slowly, I saw her get a little something to eat and she did poop. I’ve been reading threads for over a year and just joined. You all are so helpful! I’m going to go out there tomorrow and do some investigating, I’ll get back to you.

 

[Chickenladytryingtomakeit]

Welcome to BYC!

If external parasites and feather plucking by the flock have been ruled out.. It *may* be an early symptom of ascites which is otherwise commonly known as water belly. I have a 2 year old white rock currently displaying the same thing and have seen it even earlier in a lavendar Orpington. In both instances at least for me, there must be some genetic predisposition. As it's a progressive condition, not all symptoms (like heavy breathing) may be seen. My white Rock for example is only displaying the red, bare, bottom.. but is close to top in the pecking order, very active including laying, and parasites have been ruled out, including treatment just in case.

Link is only a novice example, please use your best judgement before applying any treatments or drawing any conclusions..

https://thecapecoop.com/water-belly-ascetis-in-chickens/

Thank you! They do look very similar. I was sitting with her today, outside of the run. Tomorrow morning I’ll go snatch her up and investigate further and get back to you. I’m really glad I joined this group. I’ve been a silent admirer and finally joined today. I appreciate you all!