5 month old chicken can't walk and won't eat/drink

[Asolei]

My 5 month old chicken lives with 7 other's, 2 of which are the same age as her. Two weeks ago we found her in the coop hobbling on one leg. We took her inside and 3 days later she was walking and running like nothing was wrong. This morning we found her again in the same place. This time she seems to have no energy to stand at all. She won't even hold her wings up. We placed her in the garden with food and water within beak's distance but she won't eat or drink. My sister noticed that she has her body spread flat as though she were trying to lay an egg but we are unable to feel anything in her. She is usually very vocal but so far has made no noise. Any idea's what could be wrong with our chicken?

 

[lovemysilkie26]

There are many diseases that can make it hard to walk in chickens. However, there is one that is called Merek's Disease that is highly contagious to other chickens. Unfortunately, there isn't a cure to it.

Here is a link with the causes and symptoms:
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/90/mareks-disease

I'm not sure if that's what it could be, like I said, there are many diseases/causes that can make it difficult to walk. I hope I could help. I hope you're chicken will be okay!

 

[JoshuaBurke]

I'm sorry to say but your chicken sounds very Ill. Is it hot weather where you live?

 

[Asolei]

Yes actually last week we have had around 85-90 degree weather. But we noticed earlier in the morning when it was still around 70 and none of the other chickens are effected.

 

[JoshuaBurke]

Quote:
I pulled this information out of an article... I'm not a chicken expert... But I love giving people some advice... Keep in mind too much sugar can cause runny stool.

My advice is too bring the chicken inside a basement or your house and put a fan above him secured to let him cool off and give him plenty of Electrolyte water. (1 pack makes, 1 gallon)
Article: http://www.mypetchicken.com/backyar...y-baby-chicks-seems-weak-and-is-not-H243.aspx

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joshua Burke

 

[seminolewind]

The most common illness of young chickens is coccidiosis. I would treat for that. And like Joshua said, electrolytes in water . If Joshua is talking about the chicken electrolytes sole in packets, each packet treats 50 gallons of water. So I just put about 1/4 tsp in a gallon.

You can treat cocci with Corid.

The limp could be an injury or an illness. Only time will tell.

 

[Asolei]

I will try that. We gave her oatmeal last night and she seemed happy enough to eat it, but this morning won't touch it anymore. She still won't drink but there was water in the oatmeal so I'm content for now to let that rest. We noticed a little white bug crawling around her eye. I'm guessing she has feather lice but don't see how that would affect her health. My sister would also like me to mention that her eyes are almost always shut. Opening only when we are near and make a noise.

 

[PatTom]

 

[dawg53]

If she has lice, she could be anemic. Don't treat for lice until she gets her strength back though. Give her vitamins and electrolytes.

Chicken lice feed on dander, skin, and feathers. Chicken lice do not bite and suck blood like mites. Lice will opportunistically feed on blood if it presents itself, from a scratch for example. Lice are more of an irritant. Sevin dust will quickly take care of lice, dust inside the coop as well. Repeat dusting in 7-10 days to kill larva hatched from eggs.

 

[PatTom]

You're right! I was thinking mites! I'm not all here...dealing with a sick chick and trying to find out what is going on. Have about decided it is Coccidiosis! I'm new to chickens and have already had a Roo die.... Keep everything clean...no mites or lice..