Help- All the sudden very unwell

[CrockChickens9]

Her crop is soft not empty but I can check in the morning as well. No smell to her. Nothing felt below the vent area that feels like and egg. She did lay this morning. It was frozen by the time we got to it and cracked so I couldn’t tell how thick the shell but the day before one of the eggs was smashed and then frozen which is not typical. She lays every other day now that it’s cold. I am very tired so have to go to bed but hopefully she’s alive in the morning and the calcium has helped. I’ll check her first thing. We do have a vet a few towns over that says they take chickens I can call in the morning but since it’s Christmas Eve I’m not sure how likely they will be open or see her. Just not sure what to do. She looks really bad and I don’t want her suffering. Thank you for any help you can offer. I’ll update soon.

 

[SmiYa0126]

Thank you! I hope she pulls through!

 

[CrockChickens9]

Thank you for your help. She passed away overnight. It was pretty quick from distress to death. I’m not an experienced chicken owner and I overlooked that her belly felt a little like a water balloon. I noticed it 2 weeks ago when I was bathing her for her poopy butt. She’s always been a gluttonous eater (always at the feeder) so I assumed she was a bit overweight. I rarely gave treats but I stopped completely after I noticed how fat I thought she was. I did not know her abdomen was abnormal until googling last night. It seems she may have had ascites. I am disappointed that I did not recognize there was an issue until it was too late. She was a sweet girl. I’m sorry I didn’t do more

Thank you all for your help.

 

[SmiYa0126]

I'm so very sorry since she was so young it was definitely a development issue. I don't think there is anything you could have done. Sending warm hugs.

 

[Eggcessive]

I am very sorry for your loss. Reproductive disorders and ascites usually happen later, but occasionally we hear of a young one who dies from this. When I lose a chicken I like to open the abdomen to view the organs, especially the liver, intestines, gizzard and the oviduct. When the abdomen is opened, look for any excess fat, blood clots, or any yellow or clear fluid. Post pictures if you do this, and we can offer opinions. It is shocking to lose a chicken, and not everyone can do a necropsy. Being a busy time of year, it can be hard to take the time. Here is a good video to look at to help identify the organs: