6 yr. old healthy hen can't stand. Need help.

[Knock Kneed Hen]

Hi, A friend called to ask me about her hen.
Laying on it's side, kicking it's feet. Can't stand. Just yesterday she was acting perfectly normal.
She continues to be bright eyed, has a bright red comb and wattles, will eat and drink...just can't stand.
Poop looks normal.

I searched and searched here. It seems it could be a Vit. b deficiency or E. coli. Wondering your thoughts
and what the solution is.

Thanks!

 

[Tanichca]

Spider bite can do that, as I've experienced.

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

Generally when I read about a well bird crashing all of the sudden it's a chick, not a 6 yr. old seeming healthy hen.

 

[Erica]

Do the legs have any strength when you push/pull the feet (gently)?

I'd be suspecting an injury of some sort, perhaps from a heavy landing. An old layer may also be prone to osteoporosis from all those eggshells she's made, and her bones might be more brittle.

Just guesses, but I suppose other issues are possible (Marek's or another tumour disease impinging on the nerves).

Sorry I can't help much. A photo might be useful.

Best of luck,

Erica

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

This hen is still acting very alert, eating, can sit up, but can't stand. Her feet are curled. Do you think she could have had a stroke?

 

[seminolewind]

Yes they can have a stroke, brain injury, cancer,