This is how I drain the liquid out of the belly of my chicken. It helps her to be able to get up onto a perch and it helps her breathe. #WaterBelly #BackyardChickens #Ascites
That's awesome! Frenchy has since passed. (Eventually she just withered away, but she was a very old bird) I've had a couple others since that needed some help and it amazes me at their capacity to recover.
Thank you for the video. This worked. Our girl seamed so much better within 15-20 min. Started eating and jumping around. There are no vets in our area that would help a chicken. Just wanted to let you know that the time you took to make this video is very much appreciated.
Big question was this film reverse n was she drained from he left or right Side of her bum looking strait in at her tail cause it sounded like that was important to her right
Thanks very much! I did this on all 3 of my chickens probably close to 6 months to a year ago. (I think I may have fed them too many snails.) I just used the sterile needle without the syringe and let the fluid drain out naturally over a period of time. All 3 chooks recovered very well and the water belly didn't come back. Just this week, one of the chickens is laying again every day! Thanks again for making this video - it really helped and gave me a lot of confidence!
Thanks for this video. I knew something was wrong with our usually-crazy RIR when she was walking funny. I determined it was water belly and your vid helped me get the job done, extracting 80ml of fluid on my first round successfully (more to go!). For anyone curious, the largest syringe and 18ga needle pack at Tractor Supply is what worked for me. $5 total. I had some alcohol wipes laying around. My son held her and I did four back-to-back extractions by sticking the needle about 1/2” in to the right of her vent and about an inch or two down towards her right leg. All went well. Thank you.
I was having an issue with one of my hens. I didn’t want her to suffer so I was desperate. I looked up your video and it gave me the confidence to try this procedure. My Hail Mary! It worked and I really appreciate your video.
I really appreciate your video. I was concerned about her behavior. She was subdued, her comb was cyanotic and she was separating herself from the others. I gave her an Epsom salt bath and drained her water belly. I kept her in the house to monitor the drainage, it was clear fluid. I also applied Monistat to her vent because she had white drainage on her feathers. I checked her vent and didn't find any sign of her being egg bound. Today she is running around and acting much better. Her comb is bright red. Thanks so much.❤
My 3 year old hen just developed water belly about a week ago, today we drained it, 3 HUGE syringes of fluid came out. Currently letting her drain. She’s now clucking & drinking had a scrambled egg & devoured it. Thank you so much for this video!
I have lost so much recently and my heart was breaking for my sweet girl. I followed your advice and after a trip to Tractor Supply for syringe and needles my girl is perked right up. I can’t really express my gratitude adequately but thank you for your video and the calm that emanates from your instructions. My girl didn’t flinch either❤
This was a life saving video for us and our sick chicken that was hurtin... and we had no answer as what to do until we saw this video. we just did this to our chicken that really needed that help... what a relief it was to find this answer... thanks so much for posting this video... May Jesus Bless You in Many Ways.
My Roade Island Red was attacked by an eagle about a week before. She came down with Water Belly. My understanding is they can get it from a dislodged egg inside. Today is Easter Sunday so no vets or feed stores were open. I put out a plea for the needle and syringe you used on my neighborhoods FB page and several people came through! I followed your instructions as best I could (I also had to do it alone) and it turned out just the way yours did. She's eating, drinking and when I went into the coop to check on her tonight she was up on the top roost. I'm hoping she's out of the woods. Thank you so much for your simple but very instructive video.
Thank you, you saved lemon chicken's life with this , walmart has a $.25 single needle at Rx and my hen was bloated like a stuffed turkey. Very different from the other girls belly ( thin, boney) . We did a few small pulls and then she started dripping on her own. Hopefully this is the road recovery. It seems chickens around 4-5years need this done
so that i know, there is always a reason for the ascites. The water belly is just a symptom, not the cause. So my girl has an inflammation within her body, not really known where. Now i feed er Oregano everyday. and since 5 days her belly is getting more and more softer, because of the fight against the cause, the inflammation. Oregano is a strong antibiotika.
I never knew this was a thing until last Thursday. I thought I had an eggbound hen so I put her in a sitzbath 2 times in an hour and massaged her belly. I couldn't feel an egg but her belly was soft. I saw yellowish fluid seep out and within 20 minutes she was fine! That was almost a week ago. She's only laid one egg since then so I'm keeping an eye on her. Thank you for this video. It helps me to understand what's happened and how to deal with it.
Thank you for this video!! You probably just saved my hen! She has waterbelly and I was so clueless on what to do to help her. I followed your tutorial and she already seems to be feeling better after about 20 mins! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! ❤
Thank you for your video and for everyone who's favorite chicken who loves life here's what I've found helpful: cabbage leaves lining her nest box/sleeping area each night works wonders. It's a treatment for reliving edema in mother cats with mastitis and every other creature with swelling including people with swelling/edema, it just works. I line my chicken's carrier with large cabbage leaves, changing out as needed, her swelling goes down, it pulls the water out. Thanks to everyone who lends a hand, hope this helps, it's inexpensive and provides relieve. There's nothing better than seeing an unhappy hen enjoying her life again.
This is brilliant. Thank you. Just got a hold of 4 ex battery chicken for "end of life" care, one has ascites syndrome. I am going to watch for a few more days and have a go at this the weekend coming. Thank you again.
Thank you so much! We have never had a chicken that had this issue but due to your instruction we tried and successfully drained quite a bit of fluid off of her she’s doing much better now. Appreciate the information!❤
Thank you very much for the video. One of our hens had visibly trouble breathing and was wearily laying in the grass. Successfully drained around 80 ml from her swollen belly. She looks so relieved now.
Your vid gave me the nerve to do this (Thank you so much!), after doing it a few times I came up with what works best for me and would like to share with you and others. I hold the bird just as you did and insert needle the same spot you suggested, my needle is a 16gr x 1 inch long, I have found that to still be a little too long so I cut a piece of jacket (1/2") off a piece of electrical wire of the same size as the needle diameter and slipped it over the needle to leave only about 1/2" of the needle exposed, that is plenty long enough. I do not use the syringe just the needle, the second it pierces the skin it comes squirting out like a squirt gun. I hold the bird and the needle in place and just let it drain, when it slows to just dripping some light squeezing by cupping the hand will get a lot more to come out. When It slows to just drops I remove the needle , put the bird down and just let her drip/drain like you did. I hope this helps someone who doesn't like the syringing idea. Best of luck everyone with your birds. And BTW there is no smell to the liquid if you are on the queasy side. A sleeve cut off a old sweatshirt is worth it's weight in gold when working with chickens for too many reasons to list. Just slide it over the head and down over those flappers and you are ready to do whatever needs to be done without being beat to death by flailing wings.
I do EXACTLY the same as you do. No sirynge, just a 14G needle which i only insert the first cm. It drips like a fast tap. And laater she goes around dripping naturally Ifrom the poked hole. It works fantastic!!
Thanks for mentioning this! I have a hen who I want to try to give some relief too. But I'm having so much trouble getting her to stay still for me, and my family has such a hard time holding her as well. I see everyone having such an easy, relaxed hen during the process. But this girl of mine just won't have it. Rather than bother with the syringe (since I don't think she'll stay still long enough for me to use it), I'll just give her a poke and let it drip from the needle. Then entice her with a treat or something afterwards so she doesn't pull at the needle.
wow! I having fior the first time a hen with what I believe is Peritonitis or water belly. I did not know what it was at first, but I separated from the others and she has been in the front of the house for a week now. Done everything thinking it was an egg bound, but here is no way! I will try today to remove the liquid. You channel is awesome, simple, humane and very instructional, down to the point and straightforward. Thank you
Thank you so much for your video and excellent explanation you saved our chicken yesterday 😅I was scared to do this but my husband did just what you said 😅did hold her and he did the rest ❤❤❤❤thank u
Thank you for this video. I have a chicken suffering from this I believe. I first thought it was egg impacted but nothing helped. I will definitely give this a try. My girl is only two!
EXACTLY same situation with 2 rescue chickens. I've been researching for hours and stumbled across a Facebook post, so I UA-camd it and her i am. God is good whew
thank you for this video! very helpful to get the fairly precise measurements... (btw: i think that the gaping suggests that the fluid-buildup is putting pressure on the lungs.)
Thank you so much for this video! Unfortunately my girl still passed after I drained some. To be honest, I think I pulled too much out too quickly with the syringe and she went into shock because she died about 10 minutes after I drained some fluid. Regardless I do appreciate that you put this tutorial out there and while I how no more of hens come down with water belly, I feel confident I can help (and catch it sooner).
Thanks to YOU! I did it! I’ve been dealing with two with sour crop this week and just noticed my he. Waddling like this! I immediatly went to my feed store, Got the needle and syringe, drained her, (stabbbed myself) mad she walked normally!! Thank you sooo much!!! I didn’t know I could do it!
Thanks to your video (and my fear of needles) I did try the last thing for my beloved chicken. And.. it worked! a LOT of yellow fluid came out and I can see she is feeling so much better. She is only 2 years old so I am wondering: do I need to keep doing this every now and then?
Hello I just started dong this recently, the 1st time the hen had loquid of the color of yours, she was molting in the winter, now she is back to a layng cycle but no eggsare laid, she is layng internally, she gets bloated in 3 days oe so, the liquid looks like blended eggyolk, i dont k lw what to do, she is agoñden comer, the vent gave an antibiot and a norco desinflamatory, she told me not to drain her just vasically let her get bloaded and when she can breed kill her; i beg her to put an implant to stop ovulating andshe told me just to puther in a closet keep her in the dark! I wanted 6 days and drain her again when she got full, now she is doing so much worse, is like the abtibiotic just took such a tall on her bot wanting to eat just wanting to stay in the little box with hey made her, I am giving her chick feed, and she hates it
Durham? As in Durham, NC?? If sooo that’s where I’m watching you from 😆 I came across this video as I learned about “water belly” and so I googled and came across your video.
I’ve had heritage chickens all my life never saw water belly at any time ever. I moved to North Queensland and decided to get some hybrid chickens because where I live they were the only chickens available, and just yesterday I had one with water belly unfortunately, I was too late and by the time I found this video she had already passed. I can’t believe it.. all my life raising chickens never had a problem and then suddenly water belly. Is this a food problem. I think I’m going to feed my chickens rice and beans and greens from now on. They are free range.
Just a note.. the bigger gauge needles work better. I have been trying to use a 22 gauge needle, but it’s extremely difficult to pull the syringe out. Gauge 16 or 18 is better I heard.
I have a couple chickens with water belly. Never treated them before but I think I need to. One of my chickens I don’t know if it had water belly or if it was something else but she developed some infection in her bellow below her vent and had maggots eating her alive so I had to cull her 😢
That’s awful 🥲. We also need to be careful of other animals. Our Aussie had long hair of course, and a blow fly must have laid eggs on her skin above her tear on her back and maggots ate her. We didn’t know why she was walking so badly and one time couldn’t even get up. Then my husband saw that the maggots had eaten her back. I was absolutely sick. She was the sweetest dog.
I'm not sure if mine has water belly or if she got irritated because I had to soften poop. I don't feel an egg but that doesn't mean much and she laid this morning
Is it possible for the hen to be too far along? I was sure she had water belly (she had all the symptoms), but nothing would come out when I did the syringe.
Thank you for posting this I found this video cuz I have a old chicken that was given to me. I see that she have water belly. Question though will they lay eggs after we treat this chicken?
Hi I have a chicken with Water belly but she also has problem in the crop. I removed the water in the belly already. For the crop, I am giving her apple cider vinegar. I massage her crop so the food can go to the gizzard. What else can I give her? Thanks.
is the crop emptying or does the food just stay there? How does her breath smell? Is the food in the crop soft and malleable or firm? How are you delivering apple cider vinegar? There is probably nothing to give her. I'm not the authority on chicken care, but I don't think you have clearly expressed/diagnosed what the problem is in the crop.
@@inwoodeden2440 The breath smell is ok nothing bad. the food in the crop is firm because the water goes to the proventriculus and gizzard. So the food has stayed overnight in the crop. I mixed water with Apple with a little bit of shredded carrots which she loves it. She does not like the vinegar but still ate it with the shredded carrots yesterday.
She has crop stasis… And potentially a fungal or bacterial infection as well. You should never feed a full crop that’s not moving. You also want to avoid high fiber and stringy, sticky and mushy foods…Because these types of foods can easily get gummed up in the crop and exacerbate the problem. ACV is not medicine! It can be helpful in maintaining gut health & for *reducing the risk of* some health problems.
I'm sure many people have definitely been helped by your video which is for sure meant well. But a number of folks here saying their hen died just shortly after doing this compelled me to add a bit more, I hope you don’t mind as we’re all here for the same reason, to help our ladies. What isn't mentioned in the video is that there aren’t only organs to miss but a hen has a number of air sacs around their body. That is the equivalent of our lungs. If you poke one of them accidently, they fast fill up with the fluid surrounding it and they drown very quickly. If you check out some google images of a chicken air sacs you’ll be able to see where they are placed and this will help guide you as to where to avoid. I have had hens with so called water belly. It isn't water at all, this is another misnomer. The fluid is actually Ascitic fluid and is caused by an underlying situation such as inflammation, egg binding or other situation, not excluding cancers. There are two type of fluid also, if you catch it on time the fluid isn't necessary infectious. If you are too late, it could well be infectious peritonitis. The outcome in the second case is not good and certainly being able to remove the fluid so that it doesn't keep re-filling (as it will do in the majority of times) is key as long as it is followed up with the appropriate antibiotics. I also do not agree in allowing the liquid to drip when only a small syringe or two's worth has been removed. I have had my vet remove well over a litre of fluid into a petri dish from some hens only for the fluid to start filling up again inside them within a couple of hours. My vet explained how to keep removing the fluid but as soon as you start to see less fluid coming, you need to stop and not force it or you can force pressure on the body and the hen can die of shock. Just wait a couple of hours or more and keep checking. If it’s filled up again you can start again. But not more than a couple or three times in a day. Again there’s only so much the hen’s body will take. If you can get to a point where the fluid is becoming less, you could be heading for a successful outcome. If it keeps filling, and if it becomes smelly at any time, it will be infectious peritonitis. You really need to see a vet if you can. If, (and again, some here have said they can’t get any liquid out) the belly is hard and large, then she is most likely egg bound and beyond being able to fix. Many say they give hot baths etc. I have tried it all and although it certainly does give the hen comfort and a bit of relief, it is very unlikely to save the hen. I did go to the next step and twice, for two special ladies, had my vet do the op where they can open up (under anaesthetic) and remove the blockage. Both times the hen died, one on the operating table and the second time a day later as the shock on her body was just too much. I regretted it and won’t do it again but I believe some have had some success. It isn’t cheap though! And I have to be honest I was shocked beyond belief when my vet showed me what he had removed. It looks very much like a long sausage shaped hard boiled egg, followed by a large ball of it. Pretty disgusting but very sad too as it was clear the hen wasn’t going to survive without at least the chance offered by the op as this could never come out naturally or by any warm bath or olive oil drinks (some say this too!) intervention. A number of people have spoken about using a sleeve over the head and down over the wings of the hen. I get that this seems easier for you but if you think about it, that has to be pressing on the hens abdomen and is not ideal unless it’s not too tight. A two person job would be better if available. Otherwise I would suggest sitting on a stool or chair and holding the hen’s wings down with limited pressure between your thighs, their back end facing out away from you, to help hold her in place. Just be aware if she is thrashing and flapping her wings, then she is feeling it. As much as they don't make a sound when being 'poked and prodded by a needle', being a preyed upon bird that remains silence in danger, they do remain quiet, but that is by no means a sign they don't feel the pain of 'creating a bigger hole with a needle' as the video shows. There should be no need whatsoever to do this if you just spend a bit of time removing the fluid yourself. Of course, they will most possibly will flap. It's a sign to stop for a bit for sure, or question whether you have hit something inside you shouldn’t have. I was also very shocked at the spraying out of all the liquid from the syringe into the hen house!! The fluid is not clean and I'm sorry to say that made me balk a bit. A clean and hygenic practice would be just to empty it into a bowl next to you. Why wouldn't you?!! Another person mentioned they pricked their finger with the needle too, ideally disposable medical rubber gloves would protect you and be cleaner for the hen to help avoid infecting the wound area if you're having to prod around. Someone else here mentioned squeezing or pressing the abdomen to remove the liquid through the hole made. That’s an absolute no. You are most likely squeezing infectious fluid around the abdomen and could create a bigger issue. Leave well alone and remove using the syringe only. Patience is a virtue, you can’t hurry it by pressing. The hole will definitely drip afterwards. Clean bedding (puppy pads are ideal as they absorb better than anything I’ve used) is key again to avoid infection. Just clean the wound area with something like medical wipes or clean sterile water and a few drops of iodine in or a wound cleanser such as Dakin. Start to build up a little chook medicine cabinet of things you may need as it’s best to be prepared for any eventuality rather than be struggling to find things when a situation happens out of the blue. I learned this the hard way and having a few things on hand is a godsend! I hope this helps some more and I really hope Inwood doesn’t mind! Here’s to all our lovely ladies living their best lives. X
Maybe. I think the risk is knowing when to take it out, or catching the chicken again with a needle in her. If you were experimenting while holding the bird it would probably be okay.
We tried your treatment 6 days ago and a lot of liquid did come out.... but she is still moping around and just does NOT act right at all... what else can I do for her??????
Thanks for your video but we could not get any fluid to come out in fact I couldn't even pull the syringe back, it was like it was plugged. I pulled out the needle and the syringe did work, am i doing something wrong?
Maybe you have misdiagnosed the situation. Is the chicken stretched out like a water balloon? If so it may be that you didn’t insert the needle far enough, but I am afraid of giving that advice without some kind of visual or confirmation. Maybe you can find someone local to support you.
We tried it last night and got some sucked out in a syringe but nothing drained afterwards on its own, so we’ll do it again tonight and drain a little each day.
Sorry for the late reply. It’s not about fixing anything. It may help them with mobility and ease pressure. If you aren’t feeling confident enough to do. I would say hold off and let nature take its course. There are great lessons to be had either way.
I think my chicken might be going through this. I'm scared to take action because I'm not sure that's what it is. But her stomach and vent area is very swollen. Will that affect trying to figure out where to put the needle in??
The fluid was a dark brown and then was more yellow. I’m afraid I waited too long and there is a serious infection. Regardless, quite a bit came out. Hopefully they’ll be some improvement in the morning.
I am actually having a problem with my chicken she was very hunch over with her eyes closed we thought she had an egg stuck inside her, we put her in water with epson salt, rub her but honestly we don’t see no egg so we have been giving her medication food and water and has stand up and open her eyes but won’t move around once in a while she will lay down it has been like this for 3 days I try getting her to the vet and they won’t take her in for 3 days, my husband said if she is not better today we will end her suffering we don’t have a clue what is going on.
I cannot offer much, but separating her to small cage full of hay with food and water in a quiet place can keep her safe while she heals. If it was water belly it would feel like a giant water balloon and you would know. There are lots of great resources online. One thing I can say is that I have had chickens recover from sickness(being hunched over and unable to walk). It is something that the chickens body has to deal with. I don't know what medications you are using, but it should be targeted to a proper diagnosis. Otherwise it should just be about supporting her health with clean water and food. Eggs are good healing food for them. Especially if she is pale.
@@inwoodeden2440 no it doesn’t fell like that She is inside my house because it’s snowing and cold outside she does well and then she gets sick again 🤷🏻♀️
We have a young chicken too just over a year. A Buckeye..she has water belly and we just drained her with a 18 gauge needle. Took about 1/2 hour..we just inserted the needle WITHOUT the syringe…and let it drip we were lightly holding her over a towel. So much drained. Then took the needle out and she continued to drain for at least an hour.. she feels and looks so much better. Maybe that she is so young we might have a better outcome.
How many days before getting an infection on average? My chicken has been like that for 4-7 days already... Only now did I find out this video and can try but... is there any point after so many days? Her comb is fallen and grayish...
@@MickeyKleinhenz-nj5mj I meant that my chicken has been having water belly for 4-7 days. I meant if after such time it is still worth trying to remove the fluid or is it too late (she may have already infection maybe because of having water belly?). In addition, her comb is grayish, no more nicely red.
@@hmm-m it is not too late because water belly is not necessarily an infection. The grey comb is concerning and it might be something different. This procedure is for when the chicken is stretched like a water balloon (other symptoms might be breathing hard, a deeper red/purple comb, and not making it up to a rose bar)
Big question was this film reverse n was she drained from he left or right Side of her bum looking strait in at her tail cause it sounded like that was important to her right. Her left side is where all important organs are
So are you saying that there are important organs and unimportant organs? Lol and the important ones are on the left side? Oh dear. You can drain bilaterally (both sides simultaneously) if necessary… but it definitely sounds like you need to brush up on your anatomy before attempting this procedure 😉
Pls see this. So we have done this a few times now. Is there a time when it's not going to work anymore? It looks like she still has pressure but I've poked her and nothing coming out. Just need to know if there is a point where u just stop and let nature take its course. I don't want to give up too soon. First time dealing with this. 😭😭😭 thank you.
This is only something to do when they are so heavy with water that they can hardly get off the ground. I think sometimes their body can fix itself but often times it doesn’t and it keeps happening. If they are not a full water, balloon and liquid coming out easily then you shouldn’t be poking them.
@MickeyKleinhenz-nj5mj thank you so much. What has us confused is she is walking like a penguin. Is that just part of process? Before we would poke her and after a day or two she would be walking normal. We just don't know stages. Thoughts? Thanks again.
What symptoms do the hens display to know whether it’s water belly? I’ve rescued some battery hens and they’re my first time keeping hens. One was taken by a fox which I was saddened by and then on Friday my favourite hen was ill so I called the vet but they asked to call me back but unfortunately in the time I waited for their return call she died. I’m now angry with myself. I read ALL sorts of different possible causes and thought she could have been egg bound so made a bath to soak her back end, she was a little livelier but eventually she died.
They have a swollen body cavity that feels sloshy with liquid. Death is part of being a chicken. The traumas of battery life and the domestication of their genetics both shorten the lifespan. You have cared for them and are becoming better at caring for them. That matters more than whether we live or die.
hi I have a question one of my chickens has not been feeling well and it's acting strange when my mom touched I believe either her stomach or abdomen She said that it felt hard and She moves her neck in a strange way aswell.when shes eating or not she moves her neck sideways as if she had something stuck on her throat like as if she's struggling to swallow. Please help I don't want another chicken to die I already lost a chicken last month.
I watched your video and tried to do the same thing to my chicken who has lot of water in her belly; however, I was not sure how deep I needed to insert the needle inside of her and some blood came out, not green or brown color of water. Would you tell me the length of needle you use for your chicken? How deep can I insert the needle? I felt bad for her after I made a few holes and didn't give her any treatment to make her feel better.
You insert the needle as little as possible to get the job done. There is an opening at the end of the needle. Once it is inside then pull out the plunger.
Thanks for the video! If you're still watching comments I have a question: My hen appears to have water belly, but it seems to be leaking into her stomach. This morning she drained an uncomfortable amount of fluid from her mouth, so much so I was worried that she wasn't able to breath. She's fine right now, but I haven't seen that before in a water-belly hen. I've only had 1 before and though she did "vomit" from time to time, it was never that severe. That said, does this condition require a different treatment or do I still go with drip-drain? I've got alochol and a needle and everything ready to go.
@@inwoodeden2440 Thanks! I'll keep those in mind. We built a structure over their run for protection from hawks a couple of years back so they have ample access to shade. It's getting cooler around here as well thanks to fall so I think she's good there. I'll look into a water source she can stand in. Really appreciate your advice!
@@treyfowler6892 Would you mind giving an update on your chicken? Your initial description would’ve made me suspect a GI blockage or crop stasis…and/or infection in crop or along GI
Hi, we have a chicken with swollen abdomen but the hospital is not taking her. After watching your video we removed some fluid and it's filled again the next day. Is there anything we can do?
I don't know, but I don't think so. It sounds like there is nothing for you to do. These recent weather events have really helped many people to face their powerlessness in many situations and release attachments that are causing suffering.
You probably didn’t remove all of the fluid on the first try… The fluid needs to be removed carefully and slowly using a large volume (60cc) syringe with 18-20 gauge/1” or shorter luer- lock needle or using sterile technique… If the ascites is due to cancer, probably the only thing you can do is repeat the centesis procedure as often as needed. if the ascites is due to egg-binding, ectopic laying, or other reproductive dysfunction-Hormone therapy is available from your vet. If the ascites is due to a bacterial or fungal infection… Including egg yolk peritonitis, your vet can culture the fluid & will prescribe an effective antimicrobial.
You can get the syringe and needle from a feed store. Ask the clerk. They keep them put away. They're inexpensive; the large syringe is a couple of bucks and the needle around 40¢. Use a new needle each time for sterility and it gets dull after each use, making it more potentialy dangerous, harder, and more painful to reuse.
I've watched your video and several others. My chicken is SO uncomfortable but when I try to drain it, nothing comes out. Yesterday she let me poke her and didn't seem to notice. Today she flinched and wriggled. I think it is getting more tender. I've tried it about an inch down and four inches down from the vent on the right. What could I be doing wrong? Help!
It's probably a different issue. There could be lots of reasons for swelling. Sorry for the late response, and I hope everything worked out with the experience.
I tried this night before last on my chicken and have a couple of questions. Number one is that she is still draining almost 48 hours later, is that normal? And she is still very lethargic, is that normal? She definitely lost about 5 pounds of fluid! It was unbelievable! Anything else I should watch out for during this process? Thanks!
Sorry for the late response. I don’t think it is a good sign to be lethargic and still draining 48 hours later. I’ve seen all the chickens I’ve serviced die eventually. So the treatment was really about easing the pressure(and allowing them to sleep on a roost instead of the floor/nest box). When chickens act lethargic something very serious is going on. I hope you were able to find peace with whatever has passed.
Beacuse it could be a heart failure, but I don’t believe that anything is necessarily terminal. Read many comments on many videos where they have chickens never have the same problem again and they live long time after they drain theM.
Was just adding some lightness and detachment(so individuals could release the attachment to "fixing" whatever is going on inside the chicken). For the issue of internal leaky organs(ie. organ failure) a needle in the butt is not likely to change the course. So that's how I wanted to present it. Life is a terminal condition. No one makes it out alive. :)
@@inwoodeden2440 Organ failure is not due to “leaky organs” (whatever that means LOL. Ascites/fluid accumulation is usually due to reproductive dysfunction, infection, or internal laying or egg binding. Organ failure… Specifically systematic organ failure is the result of septic shock… Which is caused by sepsis, obviously, and can develop if an infection is left untreated… or if the infection is treated with the wrong anti-microbial, or if the pathogen is resistant
You could temporarily (no more than an hour) leave a needleless catheter inserted (catheters are made out of flexible plastic & they are not sharp. You definitely don’t want to leave a sharp, metal needle inserted. You cannot leave a more permanent type drainage system, because that’s just asking for infection! Pathogens would easily find their way into the chicken via any type type of open drain system.
I was here 5 months ago because my favourite hen was suffering from waterbelly. And I just wanted to thank you because she's still alive ❤️🙂
That's awesome!
Frenchy has since passed.
(Eventually she just withered away, but she was a very old bird)
I've had a couple others since that needed some help and it amazes me at their capacity to recover.
@@inwoodeden2440 thanks for your video how long a chicken can live after waterbelly with tratement like this video???
@@بهناممهدینیالیچاهی I believe it depends on the chicken. Frenchy lasted a year and a half.
@@inwoodeden2440 sorry for your loose rip dear frenchy in the chicken heaven❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💕💕💕💕💕
Mine died yesterday 😥 But I hope she didn't suffered a lot. Atleast she survived 6 months . Thank you very much 😇
Poor fing! 💖 I'm glad you were able to make her a little more comfortable
Thank you for the video. This worked. Our girl seamed so much better within 15-20 min. Started eating and jumping around. There are no vets in our area that would help a chicken. Just wanted to let you know that the time you took to make this video is very much appreciated.
Big question was this film reverse n was she drained from he left or right Side of her bum looking strait in at her tail cause it sounded like that was important to her right
We were too late ! But this is our second old one !!! Now we know what to do ! Clear concise, with out all the other “ yacking “ thank you !!!
Thanks very much! I did this on all 3 of my chickens probably close to 6 months to a year ago. (I think I may have fed them too many snails.) I just used the sterile needle without the syringe and let the fluid drain out naturally over a period of time. All 3 chooks recovered very well and the water belly didn't come back. Just this week, one of the chickens is laying again every day! Thanks again for making this video - it really helped and gave me a lot of confidence!
Thanks for this video. I knew something was wrong with our usually-crazy RIR when she was walking funny. I determined it was water belly and your vid helped me get the job done, extracting 80ml of fluid on my first round successfully (more to go!). For anyone curious, the largest syringe and 18ga needle pack at Tractor Supply is what worked for me. $5 total. I had some alcohol wipes laying around. My son held her and I did four back-to-back extractions by sticking the needle about 1/2” in to the right of her vent and about an inch or two down towards her right leg. All went well. Thank you.
I was having an issue with one of my hens. I didn’t want her to suffer so I was desperate. I looked up your video and it gave me the confidence to try this procedure. My Hail Mary! It worked and I really appreciate your video.
I really appreciate your video. I was concerned about her behavior. She was subdued, her comb was cyanotic and she was separating herself from the others. I gave her an Epsom salt bath and drained her water belly. I kept her in the house to monitor the drainage, it was clear fluid. I also applied Monistat to her vent because she had white drainage on her feathers. I checked her vent and didn't find any sign of her being egg bound. Today she is running around and acting much better. Her comb is bright red. Thanks so much.❤
My 3 year old hen just developed water belly about a week ago, today we drained it, 3 HUGE syringes of fluid came out. Currently letting her drain. She’s now clucking & drinking had a scrambled egg & devoured it.
Thank you so much for this video!
I have lost so much recently and my heart was breaking for my sweet girl. I followed your advice and after a trip to Tractor Supply for syringe and needles my girl is perked right up. I can’t really express my gratitude adequately but thank you for your video and the calm that emanates from your instructions. My girl didn’t flinch either❤
This was a life saving video for us and our sick chicken that was hurtin... and we had no answer as what to do until we saw this video. we just did this to our chicken that really needed that help... what a relief it was to find this answer... thanks so much for posting this video... May Jesus Bless You in Many Ways.
Thank you for making this video. Many loved chickens are alive and better off because you did film this.
Good Man. Thanks again.
My Roade Island Red was attacked by an eagle about a week before. She came down with Water Belly. My understanding is they can get it from a dislodged egg inside. Today is Easter Sunday so no vets or feed stores were open. I put out a plea for the needle and syringe you used on my neighborhoods FB page and several people came through! I followed your instructions as best I could (I also had to do it alone) and it turned out just the way yours did. She's eating, drinking and when I went into the coop to check on her tonight she was up on the top roost. I'm hoping she's out of the woods. Thank you so much for your simple but very instructive video.
Thank you, you saved lemon chicken's life with this , walmart has a $.25 single needle at Rx and my hen was bloated like a stuffed turkey. Very different from the other girls belly ( thin, boney) . We did a few small pulls and then she started dripping on her own. Hopefully this is the road recovery. It seems chickens around 4-5years need this done
Thank you sooooo much! My baby girl is doing much better. I found this video around 3AM last night and we already took care of her. Thank you
so that i know, there is always a reason for the ascites. The water belly is just a symptom, not the cause. So my girl has an inflammation within her body, not really known where. Now i feed er Oregano everyday. and since 5 days her belly is getting more and more softer, because of the fight against the cause, the inflammation. Oregano is a strong antibiotika.
I never knew this was a thing until last Thursday. I thought I had an eggbound hen so I put her in a sitzbath 2 times in an hour and massaged her belly. I couldn't feel an egg but her belly was soft. I saw yellowish fluid seep out and within 20 minutes she was fine! That was almost a week ago. She's only laid one egg since then so I'm keeping an eye on her. Thank you for this video. It helps me to understand what's happened and how to deal with it.
Thank you for this video!! You probably just saved my hen! She has waterbelly and I was so clueless on what to do to help her. I followed your tutorial and she already seems to be feeling better after about 20 mins! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! ❤
Thank you for your video and for everyone who's favorite chicken who loves life here's what I've found helpful: cabbage leaves lining her nest box/sleeping area each night works wonders. It's a treatment for reliving edema in mother cats with mastitis and every other creature with swelling including people with swelling/edema, it just works. I line my chicken's carrier with large cabbage leaves, changing out as needed, her swelling goes down, it pulls the water out. Thanks to everyone who lends a hand, hope this helps, it's inexpensive and provides relieve. There's nothing better than seeing an unhappy hen enjoying her life again.
This is brilliant. Thank you. Just got a hold of 4 ex battery chicken for "end of life" care, one has ascites syndrome. I am going to watch for a few more days and have a go at this the weekend coming. Thank you again.
Thank you so much for showing this technique for draining the belly!
Thank you so much! We have never had a chicken that had this issue but due to your instruction we tried and successfully drained quite a bit of fluid off of her she’s doing much better now. Appreciate the information!❤
Thank you very much for the video. One of our hens had visibly trouble breathing and was wearily laying in the grass. Successfully drained around 80 ml from her swollen belly. She looks so relieved now.
Your vid gave me the nerve to do this (Thank you so much!), after doing it a few times I came up with what works best for me and would like to share with you and others. I hold the bird just as you did and insert needle the same spot you suggested, my needle is a 16gr x 1 inch long, I have found that to still be a little too long so I cut a piece of jacket (1/2") off a piece of electrical wire of the same size as the needle diameter and slipped it over the needle to leave only about 1/2" of the needle exposed, that is plenty long enough. I do not use the syringe just the needle, the second it pierces the skin it comes squirting out like a squirt gun. I hold the bird and the needle in place and just let it drain, when it slows to just dripping some light squeezing by cupping the hand will get a lot more to come out. When It slows to just drops I remove the needle , put the bird down and just let her drip/drain like you did.
I hope this helps someone who doesn't like the syringing idea. Best of luck everyone with your birds. And BTW there is no smell to the liquid if you are on the queasy side. A sleeve cut off a old sweatshirt is worth it's weight in gold when working with chickens for too many reasons to list. Just slide it over the head and down over those flappers and you are ready to do whatever needs to be done without being beat to death by flailing wings.
I do EXACTLY the same as you do. No sirynge, just a 14G needle which i only insert the first cm. It drips like a fast tap. And laater she goes around dripping naturally Ifrom the poked hole. It works fantastic!!
Thanks so much for the sleeve idea I would hug you if I could
Thanks for mentioning this! I have a hen who I want to try to give some relief too. But I'm having so much trouble getting her to stay still for me, and my family has such a hard time holding her as well. I see everyone having such an easy, relaxed hen during the process. But this girl of mine just won't have it. Rather than bother with the syringe (since I don't think she'll stay still long enough for me to use it), I'll just give her a poke and let it drip from the needle. Then entice her with a treat or something afterwards so she doesn't pull at the needle.
Thank you for the sleeve idea!!! I’ve never heard it before and it’s perfect for those of us tending to out chickens alone! God bless!
Thanks for helping her. Youre a good man.
wow! I having fior the first time a hen with what I believe is Peritonitis or water belly. I did not know what it was at first, but I separated from the others and she has been in the front of the house for a week now. Done everything thinking it was an egg bound, but here is no way! I will try today to remove the liquid. You channel is awesome, simple, humane and very instructional, down to the point and straightforward. Thank you
Thank you so much for your video and excellent explanation you saved our chicken yesterday 😅I was scared to do this but my husband did just what you said 😅did hold her and he did the rest ❤❤❤❤thank u
Thank you for this video. I have a chicken suffering from this I believe. I first thought it was egg impacted but nothing helped. I will definitely give this a try. My girl is only two!
EXACTLY same situation with 2 rescue chickens. I've been researching for hours and stumbled across a Facebook post, so I UA-camd it and her i am. God is good whew
thank you for this video! very helpful to get the fairly precise measurements...
(btw: i think that the gaping suggests that the fluid-buildup is putting pressure on the lungs.)
Thank you so much for this video! It has helped us prolonged our Kylie for many months so far...😊 thank you
Excellent quick video. Thank you
Thank you so much for this video! Unfortunately my girl still passed after I drained some. To be honest, I think I pulled too much out too quickly with the syringe and she went into shock because she died about 10 minutes after I drained some fluid. Regardless I do appreciate that you put this tutorial out there and while I how no more of hens come down with water belly, I feel confident I can help (and catch it sooner).
My heart goes out to you, I just want you to know that we are only human chicken Tenders not veterinarians. You did the best you could for her
Thank you for making this video, it was super helpful!
This helped, thank you 🫡
Thank you. I’ll try this on my hen this week!
Update-after 3 months from this post, my black hen finally passed away. So yes you can give them a few more months but it will come for your hen.
Thanks to YOU! I did it! I’ve been dealing with two with sour crop this week and just noticed my he. Waddling like this! I immediatly went to my feed store,
Got the needle and syringe, drained her, (stabbbed myself) mad she walked normally!! Thank you sooo much!!! I didn’t know I could do it!
Thanks to your video (and my fear of needles) I did try the last thing for my beloved chicken. And.. it worked! a LOT of yellow fluid came out and I can see she is feeling so much better. She is only 2 years old so I am wondering: do I need to keep doing this every now and then?
The dude on the video says he has been doing it every two months.
Thanks for the video. Very helpful.
(from Germany)
Thanks this helped a lot!
Thank you so much for this amazing video!
Brave! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for this!
Thank you so much for your video it really helped me a lot i appreciate you for this 🙏❤️
Hello I just started dong this recently, the 1st time the hen had loquid of the color of yours, she was molting in the winter, now she is back to a layng cycle but no eggsare laid, she is layng internally, she gets bloated in 3 days oe so, the liquid looks like blended eggyolk, i dont k lw what to do, she is agoñden comer, the vent gave an antibiot and a norco desinflamatory, she told me not to drain her just vasically let her get bloaded and when she can breed kill her; i beg her to put an implant to stop ovulating andshe told me just to puther in a closet keep her in the dark! I wanted 6 days and drain her again when she got full, now she is doing so much worse, is like the abtibiotic just took such a tall on her bot wanting to eat just wanting to stay in the little box with hey made her, I am giving her chick feed, and she hates it
Thank you!!!! 🙏
Durham? As in Durham, NC?? If sooo that’s where I’m watching you from 😆 I came across this video as I learned about “water belly” and so I googled and came across your video.
I’ve had heritage chickens all my life never saw water belly at any time ever. I moved to North Queensland and decided to get some hybrid chickens because where I live they were the only chickens available, and just yesterday I had one with water belly unfortunately, I was too late and by the time I found this video she had already passed. I can’t believe it.. all my life raising chickens never had a problem and then suddenly water belly. Is this a food problem. I think I’m going to feed my chickens rice and beans and greens from now on. They are free range.
Ty great information.
Thank you😀
Very helpfull
Just a note.. the bigger gauge needles work better. I have been trying to use a 22 gauge needle, but it’s extremely difficult to pull the syringe out. Gauge 16 or 18 is better I heard.
I have a couple chickens with water belly. Never treated them before but I think I need to. One of my chickens I don’t know if it had water belly or if it was something else but she developed some infection in her bellow below her vent and had maggots eating her alive so I had to cull her 😢
That’s awful 🥲. We also need to be careful of other animals. Our Aussie had long hair of course, and a blow fly must have laid eggs on her skin above her tear on her back and maggots ate her. We didn’t know why she was walking so badly and one time couldn’t even get up. Then my husband saw that the maggots had eaten her back. I was absolutely sick. She was the sweetest dog.
I'm not sure if mine has water belly or if she got irritated because I had to soften poop. I don't feel an egg but that doesn't mean much and she laid this morning
Thank you.
Thank you for the video sir...
Is it possible for the hen to be too far along? I was sure she had water belly (she had all the symptoms), but nothing would come out when I did the syringe.
Is there any way to drain fluid without a syringe
So my chicken has water belly and she literally cannot walk I’m getting ready to drain her I’m nervous because Iv already lost one to water belly
Thank you for posting this I found this video cuz I have a old chicken that was given to me. I see that she have water belly.
Question though will they lay eggs after we treat this chicken?
Usually they don’t lay many/any eggs after this
Sir can I do in broiler chickens
Hi I have a chicken with Water belly but she also has problem in the crop. I removed the water in the belly already. For the crop, I am giving her apple cider vinegar. I massage her crop so the food can go to the gizzard. What else can I give her? Thanks.
is the crop emptying or does the food just stay there?
How does her breath smell?
Is the food in the crop soft and malleable or firm?
How are you delivering apple cider vinegar?
There is probably nothing to give her.
I'm not the authority on chicken care, but I don't think you have clearly expressed/diagnosed what the problem is in the crop.
@@inwoodeden2440 The breath smell is ok nothing bad. the food in the crop is firm because the water goes to the proventriculus and gizzard. So the food has stayed overnight in the crop. I mixed water with Apple with a little bit of shredded carrots which she loves it. She does not like the vinegar but still ate it with the shredded carrots yesterday.
She has crop stasis… And potentially a fungal or bacterial infection as well. You should never feed a full crop that’s not moving. You also want to avoid high fiber and stringy, sticky and mushy foods…Because these types of foods can easily get gummed up in the crop and exacerbate the problem.
ACV is not medicine! It can be helpful in maintaining gut health & for *reducing the risk of* some health problems.
😢 I tried it but my check died 2 hours later I fell bad I don’t know if it died because I did this or something else
I'm sure many people have definitely been helped by your video which is for sure meant well. But a number of folks here saying their hen died just shortly after doing this compelled me to add a bit more, I hope you don’t mind as we’re all here for the same reason, to help our ladies. What isn't mentioned in the video is that there aren’t only organs to miss but a hen has a number of air sacs around their body. That is the equivalent of our lungs. If you poke one of them accidently, they fast fill up with the fluid surrounding it and they drown very quickly. If you check out some google images of a chicken air sacs you’ll be able to see where they are placed and this will help guide you as to where to avoid.
I have had hens with so called water belly. It isn't water at all, this is another misnomer. The fluid is actually Ascitic fluid and is caused by an underlying situation such as inflammation, egg binding or other situation, not excluding cancers. There are two type of fluid also, if you catch it on time the fluid isn't necessary infectious. If you are too late, it could well be infectious peritonitis. The outcome in the second case is not good and certainly being able to remove the fluid so that it doesn't keep re-filling (as it will do in the majority of times) is key as long as it is followed up with the appropriate antibiotics.
I also do not agree in allowing the liquid to drip when only a small syringe or two's worth has been removed. I have had my vet remove well over a litre of fluid into a petri dish from some hens only for the fluid to start filling up again inside them within a couple of hours. My vet explained how to keep removing the fluid but as soon as you start to see less fluid coming, you need to stop and not force it or you can force pressure on the body and the hen can die of shock. Just wait a couple of hours or more and keep checking. If it’s filled up again you can start again. But not more than a couple or three times in a day. Again there’s only so much the hen’s body will take. If you can get to a point where the fluid is becoming less, you could be heading for a successful outcome. If it keeps filling, and if it becomes smelly at any time, it will be infectious peritonitis. You really need to see a vet if you can. If, (and again, some here have said they can’t get any liquid out) the belly is hard and large, then she is most likely egg bound and beyond being able to fix. Many say they give hot baths etc. I have tried it all and although it certainly does give the hen comfort and a bit of relief, it is very unlikely to save the hen. I did go to the next step and twice, for two special ladies, had my vet do the op where they can open up (under anaesthetic) and remove the blockage. Both times the hen died, one on the operating table and the second time a day later as the shock on her body was just too much. I regretted it and won’t do it again but I believe some have had some success. It isn’t cheap though! And I have to be honest I was shocked beyond belief when my vet showed me what he had removed. It looks very much like a long sausage shaped hard boiled egg, followed by a large ball of it. Pretty disgusting but very sad too as it was clear the hen wasn’t going to survive without at least the chance offered by the op as this could never come out naturally or by any warm bath or olive oil drinks (some say this too!) intervention.
A number of people have spoken about using a sleeve over the head and down over the wings of the hen. I get that this seems easier for you but if you think about it, that has to be pressing on the hens abdomen and is not ideal unless it’s not too tight. A two person job would be better if available. Otherwise I would suggest sitting on a stool or chair and holding the hen’s wings down with limited pressure between your thighs, their back end facing out away from you, to help hold her in place. Just be aware if she is thrashing and flapping her wings, then she is feeling it. As much as they don't make a sound when being 'poked and prodded by a needle', being a preyed upon bird that remains silence in danger, they do remain quiet, but that is by no means a sign they don't feel the pain of 'creating a bigger hole with a needle' as the video shows. There should be no need whatsoever to do this if you just spend a bit of time removing the fluid yourself. Of course, they will most possibly will flap. It's a sign to stop for a bit for sure, or question whether you have hit something inside you shouldn’t have.
I was also very shocked at the spraying out of all the liquid from the syringe into the hen house!! The fluid is not clean and I'm sorry to say that made me balk a bit. A clean and hygenic practice would be just to empty it into a bowl next to you. Why wouldn't you?!! Another person mentioned they pricked their finger with the needle too, ideally disposable medical rubber gloves would protect you and be cleaner for the hen to help avoid infecting the wound area if you're having to prod around. Someone else here mentioned squeezing or pressing the abdomen to remove the liquid through the hole made. That’s an absolute no. You are most likely squeezing infectious fluid around the abdomen and could create a bigger issue. Leave well alone and remove using the syringe only. Patience is a virtue, you can’t hurry it by pressing.
The hole will definitely drip afterwards. Clean bedding (puppy pads are ideal as they absorb better than anything I’ve used) is key again to avoid infection. Just clean the wound area with something like medical wipes or clean sterile water and a few drops of iodine in or a wound cleanser such as Dakin. Start to build up a little chook medicine cabinet of things you may need as it’s best to be prepared for any eventuality rather than be struggling to find things when a situation happens out of the blue. I learned this the hard way and having a few things on hand is a godsend!
I hope this helps some more and I really hope Inwood doesn’t mind! Here’s to all our lovely ladies living their best lives. X
Could you leave the needle in while it draining and just remove the syrenge?
Maybe. I think the risk is knowing when to take it out, or catching the chicken again with a needle in her. If you were experimenting while holding the bird it would probably be okay.
We tried your treatment 6 days ago and a lot of liquid did come out.... but she is still moping around and just does NOT act right at all... what else can I do for her??????
Thanks for your video but we could not get any fluid to come out in fact I couldn't even pull the syringe back, it was like it was plugged. I pulled out the needle and the syringe did work, am i doing something wrong?
Maybe you have misdiagnosed the situation. Is the chicken stretched out like a water balloon?
If so it may be that you didn’t insert the needle far enough, but I am afraid of giving that advice without some kind of visual or confirmation. Maybe you can find someone local to support you.
Just found my little girl like this last night. Absolutely petrified of doing this for her. It's going to cost a fortune at the vets. 100% this helps?
We tried it last night and got some sucked out in a syringe but nothing drained afterwards on its own, so we’ll do it again tonight and drain a little each day.
Sorry for the late reply.
It’s not about fixing anything. It may help them with mobility and ease pressure. If you aren’t feeling confident enough to do. I would say hold off and let nature take its course. There are great lessons to be had either way.
I think my chicken might be going through this. I'm scared to take action because I'm not sure that's what it is. But her stomach and vent area is very swollen. Will that affect trying to figure out where to put the needle in??
Do I numb it first then I poke?
Gonna try thankyou
You can also put the needle in with a little tape and let it drain and then pull needle out 10 min layer
I need some to drain my chicken water belly if u are located in Brisbane... please help me.
The fluid was a dark brown and then was more yellow. I’m afraid I waited too long and there is a serious infection. Regardless, quite a bit came out. Hopefully they’ll be some improvement in the morning.
I am actually having a problem with my chicken she was very hunch over with her eyes closed we thought she had an egg stuck inside her, we put her in water with epson salt, rub her but honestly we don’t see no egg so we have been giving her medication food and water and has stand up and open her eyes but won’t move around once in a while she will lay down it has been like this for 3 days I try getting her to the vet and they won’t take her in for 3 days, my husband said if she is not better today we will end her suffering we don’t have a clue what is going on.
I cannot offer much, but separating her to small cage full of hay with food and water in a quiet place can keep her safe while she heals.
If it was water belly it would feel like a giant water balloon and you would know.
There are lots of great resources online.
One thing I can say is that I have had chickens recover from sickness(being hunched over and unable to walk). It is something that the chickens body has to deal with. I don't know what medications you are using, but it should be targeted to a proper diagnosis. Otherwise it should just be about supporting her health with clean water and food. Eggs are good healing food for them. Especially if she is pale.
@@inwoodeden2440 no it doesn’t fell like that
She is inside my house because it’s snowing and cold outside she does well and then she gets sick again 🤷🏻♀️
I have a Maran hen 11 months old who I think has a water belly. Is this unusual at this age and what can I do?
We have a young chicken too just over a year. A Buckeye..she has water belly and we just drained her with a 18 gauge needle. Took about 1/2 hour..we just inserted the needle WITHOUT the syringe…and let it drip we were lightly holding her over a towel. So much drained. Then took the needle out and she continued to drain for at least an hour.. she feels and looks so much better. Maybe that she is so young we might have a better outcome.
How many days before getting an infection on average? My chicken has been like that for 4-7 days already... Only now did I find out this video and can try but... is there any point after so many days? Her comb is fallen and grayish...
“Infection” and fluid in the body cavity are two different things.
You will have to clarify your question
@@MickeyKleinhenz-nj5mj I meant that my chicken has been having water belly for 4-7 days. I meant if after such time it is still worth trying to remove the fluid or is it too late (she may have already infection maybe because of having water belly?). In addition, her comb is grayish, no more nicely red.
@@hmm-m it is not too late because water belly is not necessarily an infection. The grey comb is concerning and it might be something different. This procedure is for when the chicken is stretched like a water balloon (other symptoms might be breathing hard, a deeper red/purple comb, and not making it up to a rose bar)
what size of the needle
Help I did this and I got only air. I went in her button and I didn't feel any egg. Maybe I didn't pock her in the right place!
bardzo pomocny film !
Very interesting. I had never heard of this before.
She will not lay eggs anymore? Too old, right?
Yeah, no eggs from her.
Big question was this film reverse n was she drained from he left or right Side of her bum looking strait in at her tail cause it sounded like that was important to her right. Her left side is where all important organs are
So are you saying that there are important organs and unimportant organs? Lol and the important ones are on the left side? Oh dear.
You can drain bilaterally (both sides simultaneously) if necessary… but it definitely sounds like you need to brush up on your anatomy before attempting this procedure 😉
Pls see this. So we have done this a few times now. Is there a time when it's not going to work anymore? It looks like she still has pressure but I've poked her and nothing coming out. Just need to know if there is a point where u just stop and let nature take its course. I don't want to give up too soon. First time dealing with this. 😭😭😭 thank you.
This is only something to do when they are so heavy with water that they can hardly get off the ground. I think sometimes their body can fix itself but often times it doesn’t and it keeps happening. If they are not a full water, balloon and liquid coming out easily then you shouldn’t be poking them.
@MickeyKleinhenz-nj5mj thank you so much. What has us confused is she is walking like a penguin. Is that just part of process? Before we would poke her and after a day or two she would be walking normal. We just don't know stages. Thoughts? Thanks again.
I doubt you will see this but I followed ur video and I only made her bleed 😭😭😭😭 any advice?
That would indicate that your issue is different. Maybe she has swelling for a different reason. My advice would be to not try again.
@MickeyKleinhenz-nj5mj ty. I did it wrong...2nd try I was able to get the yellow liquid. I'm a weinee so I think I went to slow. 😭😭😭
What symptoms do the hens display to know whether it’s water belly? I’ve rescued some battery hens and they’re my first time keeping hens. One was taken by a fox which I was saddened by and then on Friday my favourite hen was ill so I called the vet but they asked to call me back but unfortunately in the time I waited for their return call she died. I’m now angry with myself. I read ALL sorts of different possible causes and thought she could have been egg bound so made a bath to soak her back end, she was a little livelier but eventually she died.
They have a swollen body cavity that feels sloshy with liquid.
Death is part of being a chicken. The traumas of battery life and the domestication of their genetics both shorten the lifespan.
You have cared for them and are becoming better at caring for them. That matters more than whether we live or die.
I concur to the advice Comment. Trust and believe, they know you cared!!
hi I have a question one of my chickens has not been feeling well and it's acting strange when my mom touched I believe either her stomach or abdomen She said that it felt hard and She moves her neck in a strange way aswell.when shes eating or not she moves her neck sideways as if she had something stuck on her throat like as if she's struggling to swallow. Please help I don't want another chicken to die I already lost a chicken last month.
Sounds like a crop issue. You should watch some UA-cam videos and do some research as well as feel her crop and observe it to make sure it is emptying
Thank you. Off i go to do it
is there infection? can this happen in a14 month old hen?
I watched your video and tried to do the same thing to my chicken who has lot of water in her belly; however, I was not sure how deep I needed to insert the needle inside of her and some blood came out, not green or brown color of water. Would you tell me the length of needle you use for your chicken? How deep can I insert the needle? I felt bad for her after I made a few holes and didn't give her any treatment to make her feel better.
You insert the needle as little as possible to get the job done.
There is an opening at the end of the needle. Once it is inside then pull out the plunger.
Are they still able to poop when they have water belly ?
Yes
Thanks for the video! If you're still watching comments I have a question:
My hen appears to have water belly, but it seems to be leaking into her stomach. This morning she drained an uncomfortable amount of fluid from her mouth, so much so I was worried that she wasn't able to breath. She's fine right now, but I haven't seen that before in a water-belly hen. I've only had 1 before and though she did "vomit" from time to time, it was never that severe.
That said, does this condition require a different treatment or do I still go with drip-drain? I've got alochol and a needle and everything ready to go.
Extra water in the gut is usually from over-drinking in an effort to cool down.
I would make sure and offer water they can stand in and lots of shade.
You definitely don't want to take water out of her stomach, so I think you can hold off on the needle for now.
@@inwoodeden2440 Thanks! I'll keep those in mind. We built a structure over their run for protection from hawks a couple of years back so they have ample access to shade. It's getting cooler around here as well thanks to fall so I think she's good there. I'll look into a water source she can stand in. Really appreciate your advice!
@@treyfowler6892 Would you mind giving an update on your chicken?
Your initial description would’ve made me suspect a GI blockage or crop stasis…and/or infection in crop or along GI
If a hen Has water belly will she ever lay eggs again?
Depends, but likely not.
Hi, we have a chicken with swollen abdomen but the hospital is not taking her. After watching your video we removed some fluid and it's filled again the next day. Is there anything we can do?
I don't know, but I don't think so.
It sounds like there is nothing for you to do.
These recent weather events have really helped many people to face their powerlessness in many situations and release attachments that are causing suffering.
You probably didn’t remove all of the fluid on the first try… The fluid needs to be removed carefully and slowly using a large volume (60cc) syringe with 18-20 gauge/1” or shorter luer- lock needle or using sterile technique… If the ascites is due to cancer, probably the only thing you can do is repeat the centesis procedure as often as needed. if the ascites is due to egg-binding, ectopic laying, or other reproductive dysfunction-Hormone therapy is available from your vet. If the ascites is due to a bacterial or fungal infection… Including egg yolk peritonitis, your vet can culture the fluid & will prescribe an effective antimicrobial.
How do you feel about lancing with a small scalpel?
That feels like a really bad idea
Inwood Eden, I would like you to let know us know where to get that syringe with the needle. Thanks
I got it from a vet friend, so my best advice is to look online or ask a vet.
@@inwoodeden2440 Please ask your vet friend if we can get it online, what is the measurement or how to search online for one. Thank you.
@@aguibells1 it is an 18 gauge needle and a 60 ml irrigation syringe
You can get the syringe and needle from a feed store. Ask the clerk. They keep them put away. They're inexpensive; the large syringe is a couple of bucks and the needle around 40¢. Use a new needle each time for sterility and it gets dull after each use, making it more potentialy dangerous, harder, and more painful to reuse.
I've watched your video and several others. My chicken is SO uncomfortable but when I try to drain it, nothing comes out. Yesterday she let me poke her and didn't seem to notice. Today she flinched and wriggled. I think it is getting more tender. I've tried it about an inch down and four inches down from the vent on the right. What could I be doing wrong? Help!
If nothing is coming out and she's getting hurt then you should stop and try to find a vet, it could be something different
It's probably a different issue. There could be lots of reasons for swelling.
Sorry for the late response, and I hope everything worked out with the experience.
why does this happen?
I tried this night before last on my chicken and have a couple of questions. Number one is that she is still draining almost 48 hours later, is that normal? And she is still very lethargic, is that normal? She definitely lost about 5 pounds of fluid! It was unbelievable! Anything else I should watch out for during this process? Thanks!
Sorry for the late response.
I don’t think it is a good sign to be lethargic and still draining 48 hours later. I’ve seen all the chickens I’ve serviced die eventually. So the treatment was really about easing the pressure(and allowing them to sleep on a roost instead of the floor/nest box). When chickens act lethargic something very serious is going on.
I hope you were able to find peace with whatever has passed.
I am curious why you called it a "terminal illness." Or were the closed captions incorrect? Thank you!
Beacuse it could be a heart failure, but I don’t believe that anything is necessarily terminal. Read many comments on many videos where they have chickens never have the same problem again and they live long time after they drain theM.
Was just adding some lightness and detachment(so individuals could release the attachment to "fixing" whatever is going on inside the chicken).
For the issue of internal leaky organs(ie. organ failure) a needle in the butt is not likely to change the course.
So that's how I wanted to present it.
Life is a terminal condition. No one makes it out alive. :)
@@inwoodeden2440 Organ failure is not due to “leaky organs” (whatever that means LOL.
Ascites/fluid accumulation is usually due to reproductive dysfunction, infection, or internal laying or egg binding.
Organ failure… Specifically systematic organ failure is the result of septic shock… Which is caused by sepsis, obviously, and can develop if an infection is left untreated… or if the infection is treated with the wrong anti-microbial, or if the pathogen is resistant
ascites is usually cased by liver failure. So chickens die from organ failure. Terminal illness.
Thank you One Of mine Chicken Have the same thing i'm going to try that
Can a drain tube be inserted? Like the ones the vets use to drain pus, etc.?
Probably, but I doubt it would be a good idea. Chickens are curious eaters and there would be a lot of potential complications for negligible return.
You could temporarily (no more than an hour) leave a needleless catheter inserted (catheters are made out of flexible plastic & they are not sharp. You definitely don’t want to leave a sharp, metal needle inserted.
You cannot leave a more permanent type drainage system, because that’s just asking for infection! Pathogens would easily find their way into the chicken via any type type of open drain system.
Aw Poot frenchie 😢