12 week old silkie can't stand

[xtinedodge]

I am here for any advice I can get on this. I took a silkie from a person in town who was keeping her in a box with food and water because she was unable to get up and be with the other hens, etc. She has a significant appetite and makes happy sounds but can not stand. She tries so hard her legs just kind of slide out from underneath her -- sometimes both, almost like a split, sometimes just one. At this age I wonder if this is something that can be corrected or if its neurological because sometimes she almost flips onto her side as if it's a balance/motor issue. To make things more complicated, she seems to struggle taking in water. Meaning she is very thirsty and eager to drink but with more than one sip at a time I'm worried she may even be aspirating because she suddenly begins open mouth breathing seeming desperate for oxygen to the point that in an instant I thought we'd lose her yesterday. I've never seen this. Between these two issues, could this bird have any quality of life or hope for turning around? I don't want her to suffer for anything but I of course want to exhaust every other resource. If it were only her legs and I could build her a little cart or wheelchair -- but the scare each time she drinks is just awful. I truly love her already, she is an inquisitive and affectionate little girl. <3

 

[Blue Raptor]

I am here for any advice I can get on this. I took a silkie from a person in town who was keeping her in a box with food and water because she was unable to get up and be with the other hens, etc. She has a significant appetite and makes happy sounds but can not stand. She tries so hard her legs just kind of slide out from underneath her -- sometimes both, almost like a split, sometimes just one. At this age I wonder if this is something that can be corrected or if its neurological because sometimes she almost flips onto her side as if it's a balance/motor issue. To make things more complicated, she seems to struggle taking in water. Meaning she is very thirsty and eager to drink but with more than one sip at a time I'm worried she may even be aspirating because she suddenly begins open mouth breathing seeming desperate for oxygen to the point that in an instant I thought we'd lose her yesterday. I've never seen this. Between these two issues, could this bird have any quality of life or hope for turning around? I don't want her to suffer for anything but I of course want to exhaust every other resource. If it were only her legs and I could build her a little cart or wheelchair -- but the scare each time she drinks is just awful. I truly love her already, she is an inquisitive and affectionate little girl. <3

It could be spraddle leg, which should be treated as soon as possible. Can you post pics or her trying to stand, or what her legs look like when she does?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry about the Silkie.

Can you get photos or video of her? For video, upload to youtube and provide a link.

At 12 weeks and the symptoms you describe, Marek's disease comes to mind.

If she's struggling to drink/eat, then tubing fluids into her is a good idea. Info on how is in the link below.

I'd try vitamin therapy by giving 400IU Daily along with 1/4 tablet B-Complex. If she's eating ok, then try wet chick starter instead of dry this will get a little more fluids into her. You can also tube baby bird formula into her to get nutrients and fluids into her.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/crop-feeding.75454/