Chickens make exceptional pets. They are social, intelligent and inquisitive bird. However, many breeds of chicken have been bred solely for egg production and are therefore prone to reproductive problems. This can include egg binding (where the egg is unable to be passed), metritis (inflammation of the oviduct and shell gland) and yolk peritonitis (free yolk in the abdominal cavity, leading to inflammation and often infection).

Affected birds often stop laying eggs, stop eating, are depressed and eventually die if left untreated. They often develop a swollen abdomen and may have problems breathing. The photos show one of the many hens we see at BBEVS that has been diagnosed with yolk peritonitis. Here she is having the excess fluid drained from her abdominal cavity. A total of 750mL was drained – this provided immediate relief for the hen! After the procedure her breathing was no longer laboured and her posture improved. A sample of the fluid was examined under the microscope and this showed lots of bacteria was present which indicated infection was also present.