Orthopedic nightmare chick (of course owned by veterinary orthopedic surgeon)

Unfortunately Nugget's story has a sad ending. The day after I posted the previous update, she died suddenly. In retrospect she had probably not been acting completely like her normal self for a few days, but there were no real red flags. I think that ultimately there was more wrong with her metabolically and in terms of organ function than I realized.
I miss her more than I can express, as she had become a huge part of my life because of all her special needs. She was a very special little chicken.

So sorry for your loss!

-Kathy

X 2

I am so sorry. It sounded like the two of you had some really fun times though. Glad you got to spoil Nugget mercilessly before she had to leave you.

It's been a while since I've had a chance to be here or post. We are crazily in the final stages of getting everything ready for our June wedding. Anyway I tried to get in to the quail forum but couldn't find anywhere I could write a post.
I need some information please. One of my Cortinix females has suddenly and for unknown reasons gone lame in both legs. I don't know if she is one of our original quail from last Spring's purchases or if she is one we bred from incubation. All I do know is that one day she was fine and the next day totally crippled in both legs. I have tried to feel for broken bones but feel nothing out of place. I was going to put her down, but she doesn't show any signs of being in pain and she scoots around or flies a bit to get around in the pen. She eats well and drinks when she is thirsty and I've even found her in the dust bath on the opposite side of the pen several times. She seems quite unphased about her unworkable legs and crazy as this might sound, she seems happy. I've had a change of heart about doing her in unless I see a big change in her. My question is has anyone else ever experience this with their quail? We also lost 2 other females this past week in that pen. Michael said they were probably the last year's birds and passed of old age. Just seems odd 2 in a week died. We only keep no more than 6 females to 1 male in the pen. We've not changed anything-same food and treats as always. We have 2 other pens of quail and there's been nothing wrong with any of them. Any helpful advice would be welcomed. It's late at night right now, so I can't get a pic of her yet but will try to send one tomorrow.

Start a new thread option. https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/48/quail

I am so sorry I somehow missed this update. Poor baby ( and dad). Nugget was so lucky to be cared about and valued! I hope that brings comfort.
On a happy note yay for a wedding, congrats!!