7 month old hen can't walk on either leg, using her wings to balance **links to original post below**

[vrollo81]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...sudden-onset-with-no-apparent-injury.1551065/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...6-month-old-hen-not-walking-properly.1552473/

This is an update on the original post I made on October 6 then the update on October 20. My seven month old hen suddenly started limping on one leg three weeks ago. I have been nursing her to the best of my ability with vitamin B complex, probiotic/electrolyte water, separated from flock for a week, she has been with her flock for the remainder of the time with some accommodations. She seemed to be improving for a few days but when I went out this morning to let them out, I picked her up and noticed that she felt different. She didn't squirm like normal nor did she make the noises that she normally makes. I put her down on the floor of the coop and noticed that her other leg was not able to do anything. **sorry, I'm really emotional right now so I hope I'm making sense.**

She cannot walk and is using her wings to get balanced. Marek's Disease has been mentioned but she wasn't exhibiting any of the symptoms listed; just not able to put weight on the one leg. Eating and drinking have been normal, poop has been fine. But the way her leg was this morning, triggered the information that I have read over the last few weeks. It did rain two days ago for both days and today, it's sunny and 62 degrees. I just can't keep taking care of her anymore. It's been exhausting the last three weeks.

Are there any other options besides putting her down?

**I feel a bit ridiculous for being so attached to an animal. 'She's just a chicken,' I keep telling myself. I'm trying to turn my heart off so it doesn't hurt so bad but....

 

[fxyloos]

I'm so so sorry for what you are going through. I would be the exact same way. We love our birds and try to do the best for them. I have no answers for you, but wanted you to know that my heart hurts for you and your sweet bird. Praying someone can assist you with the answers you seek.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She cannot walk and is using her wings to get balanced. Marek's Disease has been mentioned but she wasn't exhibiting any of the symptoms listed; just not able to put weight on the one leg. Eating and drinking have been normal, poop has been fine. But the way her leg was this morning, triggered the information that I have read over the last few weeks.

I just can't keep taking care of her anymore. It's been exhausting the last three weeks.

I'm so very sorry to hear your pullet is declining further.

Quality of life for both her and you must be considered. She's not improving and you are exhausted and drained, which you had mentioned in another thread a while back.
Only you can make the decision that it's time to let her go, but I think you know it likely is.
It's not ridiculous to be attached, nor is it to be sad and heartbroken. If you decide that it's time to put her down, then be at peace with it with that decision. It's not going to hurt your heart any less, but it will help you mentally and you will be able to move past this knowing you made the right decision.

 

[vrollo81]

I'm so very sorry to hear your pullet is declining further.

Quality of life for both her and you must be considered. She's not improving and you are exhausted and drained, which you had mentioned in another thread a while back.
Only you can make the decision that it's time to let her go, but I think you know it likely is.
It's not ridiculous to be attached, nor is it to be sad and heartbroken. If you decide that it's time to put her down, then be at peace with it with that decision. It's not going to hurt your heart any less, but it will help you mentally and you will be able to move past this knowing you made the right decision.

Thank you @Wyorp Rock my son and I put her down shortly after I made the last post I know she was suffering and it would have been selfish keep her alive.

One post that I've read lately said, 'if you have backyard chickens, livestock, hell even dogs or cats, you have to face the inevitable truth that life doesn't go on forever. At some point you WILL be in the situation to make a decision to keep them going or let them go, so have a plan for that decision or it'll be much harder to handle.'