Chicken waddling like a penguin, mass on abdomen

[izzybider]

Hello! I was putting my flock in their coop this evening, and noticed one of the chickens walking upright like a waddling penguin instead of the horizontal way chickens typically walk (see the dark orange/brown chicken on the right in the attached photo). She sort of scoots around. I read online that this could mean she is egg bound, so I felt her abdomen. I did not feel an egg; though, I did feel a large mass (sort of like a hard water balloon) in her abdomen.

I can't afford to take her to see a veterinarian. It sounds like this could be peritonitis based off of some brief reading. What do you think could be wrong? How can I treat her?

Thank you in advance for you assistance!

Edit: She's around 4 years old. I haven't noticed any difficulty breathing. I'm not sure when she last laid. Her back end is covered in poo.

 

[Byrd gal]

How old is she? Is she laying? When was the last time she laid? Have you checked her vent? I am always asking for help too so I am no expert. There are some very good chicken people here that I would trust over any vet. But til they get here to help you check her over carefully for clues. It sounds like she could be egg bound.

 

[izzybider]

How old is she? Is she laying? When was the last time she laid? Have you checked her vent? I am always asking for help too so I am no expert. There are some very good chicken people here that I would trust over any vet. But til they get here to help you check her over carefully for clues. It sounds like she could be egg bound.

Thank you for the questions!! I think she's around 4 years old. I'm not sure when she last laid-- I don't keep track of when specific chickens are laying, though I probably should do that... Her vent is very dirty, covered in poo.

I thought she could be egg bound too, but the mass doesn't feel like a single egg. It feels like a hard, large water balloon.

 

[Eggcessive]

The upright posture is a common sign of a hen with internal laying, or other reproductive disorders. Salpingitis, cancer, and egg yolk peritonitis are common in some hens over 2-3 years old. Antibiotics may not be effective in later stages. Does her lower abdomen appear full and tight or spongy? Fluid can accumulate inside the lower abdomen and is associated with reproductive disorders or heart failure. Removing any yellow fluid occasionally with an 18 gauge needle may help to relieve pressure and ease breathing.

 

[izzybider]

The upright posture is a common sign of a hen with internal laying, or other reproductive disorders. Salpingitis, cancer, and egg yolk peritonitis are common in some hens over 2-3 years old. Antibiotics may not be effective in later stages. Does her lower abdomen appear full and tight or spongy? Fluid can accumulate inside the lower abdomen and is associated with reproductive disorders or heart failure. Removing any yellow fluid occasionally with an 18 gauge needle may help to relieve pressure and ease breathing.

Thanks for your response! It appears full and tight, very firm. How does one safely remove fluids?

 

[Byrd gal]

Thank you eggcessive for coming in. She is in good hands now.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thanks for your response! It appears full and tight, very firm. How does one safely remove fluids?

Draining is not cure, it's a supportive care and comfort measure.
Whatever condition that is causing the fluid to accumulate in the abdomen is still present.

 

[izzybider]

Draining is not cure, it's a supportive care and comfort measure.
Whatever condition that is causing the fluid to accumulate in the abdomen is still present.

Thank you for your response! How often would you drain the fluids? Will she just eventually pass on if I don't treat her in any other way? Is there anything else that can be done?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you for your response! How often would you drain the fluids? Will she just eventually pass on if I don't treat her in any other way? Is there anything else that can be done?

Draining may make her more comfortable, hard to know unless you try.

I would not leave her in the state she's in right now. If draining is not an option, then I'd cull.