16 wk old Polish, toes curled, can't stand. UPDATE: he died

[kathyinmo]

When letting the chickens out this morning, I noticed a Polish Crested (16 wk old) walking on his hocks (I think it is called hock). I immediately separated him from the group, and have him in the hospital crate. What could this be?

Diet: Purina medicated starter/grower crumbles and Purina Layena mixture. I am finishing off the grower and starting Layena. Free Ranges 6 hours a day.

I did not feel any injury. I cleaned coops 2 days ago, and sprayed Pyrethrin and powdered bedding (pine shavings) with Poultry powder, as precaution. No mites or lice seen.

I will watch for droppings.

I have started with: 4 drops PolyViSol, NutriDrench, Electrolytes and vitamins in water (Avian Super Pack), made a mash of boiled egg, yogurt, crumbles, vitamin E, vitamin B complex.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Kathy

 

[AmyBella]

I am really sorry. I just lost a roo of the same age to this. Don't lose hope though... I read of many that made it! You are doing all the things suggested by the experts on the forum.

From my research the three things it could be are vitamin deficiencies (Usually B12 with the curled toes), exposure to a neurotoxin like botulism, or Mareks. Here is a thread that I found VERY helpful... https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=2573820

Good luck. I hope he pulls through!

 

[kathyinmo]

Thanks. Yes, that thread was informative and helpful. I think it must be nutritional. ???

 

[AmyBella]

Any improvement today?

 

[kathyinmo]

Well the vitamin route didn't work. I thought he was doing great, eating and drinking. I went out this AM, and he was dead. My first chicken loss. I was taking pictures of him, because I was making tshirts with his picture on front. He was my only Polish Crested roo. RIP Einstein. Here he is the day before we found him sick: