what to do!

[tball]

OK I searched many threads, and learned a lot. I have a hen (2 Yrs) sluggish ,and walks slow and very wide, maybe duck like. Her belly feels way to full. OK I thought impacted or egg problems, and then I read about Ascities. I watched the lady drain her bird, I have insulin needles and a much larger one . I tried the small needle to "test the water" I did get a clear yellow fluid. However I poked her once and she bled a little, did I go to the wrong spot ,to high up her belly .... etc. Also the term water belly , hers seems tight not really squishy. Am I over analyzing or what?

 

[Judy]

Ascites simply means fluid in the abdominal cavity. It can have several causes. It can happen in meat birds from their rapid growth and resulting heart failure, for example. In layers, it is often caused by internal laying, also called egg yolk peritonitis. Unfortunately, in the long run, there is nothing that can be done for this. Sometimes draining them with a needle will extend their life a bit.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...ther-egg-issues-will-this-never-end-long/0_20

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/79443/tell-me-about-your-internal-layers/80_20#post_6235380

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...sy-photos-of-cause-of-death/0_20#post_5028516 (WARNING -- very graphic pics of a necropsy)