Chicken can't use legs :/

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I can't tell what's wrong with her, but she can't stand up or use her legs. I'm not sure if she broke something. She's been eating and drinking but she hasn't been able to stand up or walk around for about a week...

They might be broken, dislocated, or another injury. Did she have splayed leg when she was born?

There are a few reasons a chicken might lose function in their legs...

Injury is certainly a possibility. Have you noticed any limping, swelling, or bruising around her hips, hock, or ankle joint?

A disease like Marek's can cause paralysis in the legs. Check her eyes... if her pupils are losing their shape or her irises are turning gray-ish, Marek's could be the reason. Do you know if she was vaccinated as a chick? https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq

Another possibility is some kind of poison or toxin. Is it at all possible that she has been getting into lead paint chips from a peeling barn door, fence, or something like that? Are there little bits of metal anywhere in the yard like lead shot found in an old stump? Does she have access to any Styrofoam, herbicide, pesticide? Botulism is a candidate... Does she have access to a duck pond or old, standing water of any kind?

It's possible she had a stroke or seizure or some brain or spinal trauma due to pecking. Is this your only Polish? Do you have her in with mixed breeds? Have you noticed any evidence of bullying?

It's also possible that she has a vitamin deficiency. Find some chick vitamins with B12 and E in them and provide that along with her water.

How are her poops?

Hope that helps. :/ Very sorry to hear of your troubles.

Edit to add: When was the last time you knew she laid an egg?

Sometimes, an egg can press against nerves that control their legs. I'd definitely do a check to see if she's egg bounds.

MrsB

I know she's not egg bound because she's barely a month old and has never laid an egg. She's been staying with a barred rock hen the same age as her in a little coop with a small area for them to walk around and a wooden place to go inside at night (so wild animals don't try to eat them) , and I've seen the other chicken peck at her a few times. She's been separated from the other chicken and is currently staying in my bathroom with plenty of food and water. She's never had access to paint and I don't think she's been near old water or a duck pond. I haven't had a chance to look at her eyes yet because of her afro, but I will keep that in mind. I'm not sure if she was ever vaccinated. It could be an injury because she can move her wings and head easily but seems upset when her legs are touched or she sits on them in certain ways. Thanks for the help! That was a lot of information that will definitely be helpful!

CascadiaRiver said:

They might be broken, dislocated, or another injury. Did she have splayed leg when she was born?

Click to expand...

No, she was perfectly fine and then this happened. It's probably an injury, her legs seem to be the only problem.

I know Polish can get picked on quite heavily due to their hairdos... Possible head injury, definitely.

Do check for signs of Marek's.

Also, the B12 and E can sometimes get them, well, back on their feet. A vitamin deficiency can be the cause of a lot of issues.

I hope she makes a full recovery with some TLC!!

MrsB