advice needed

[lderouchie]

I need advice. I have a 6 month old Barred rock hen which I noticed didn't move from her spot the other day for almost the whole day. She had no food and no water. So I brought her into my house, thinking the worst. She survived the night and every day became better. We let her walk around, chill out. She ate, drank, pooped ok, so when the weather warmed up the yesterday I put her back to join the others. I can see her on camera, and she was in her spot with "her sister" and seemed good. The next morning, she flew out of her spot and layed on the ground. When I went into the coop that morning for them to have fresh water and treats, I noticed her not walking. She was VERY unbalanced. I brought her back inside and put her in her box. She's eating, drinking, pooping ok but can't walk. Not sure what is wrong or what I can do. She looks good, full feathers, no injuries, eyes and feet good. No lice or mites. Not bloated. I'm dumbfounded. Oh, and one other thing...she's breathing with her beak open. Not "gasping", just breathing normally. I started giving her vitamins, a few drops in the morning and when it gets dark. So any advice would be appreciated!

Concerned momna

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Check out Marek's in the following link and see if that sounds like what you are dealing with.
https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps044

 

[OneToManyChickens]

Was your chicken vaccinated? There could be a case of Mareks. I am no expert but look into it more and see if it matches up to your chickens symptoms.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I have a 6 month old Barred rock hen which I noticed didn't move from her spot the other day for almost the whole day

Good morning and welcome to BYC!

Sorry you and your lady are facing this. Just for informational purposes she appears to be a Dominique per her comb.

Do you know if she was vaccinated against Marek's? Did you ever need to treat for coccidiosis? What do you feed on a regular basis, including treats and supplements?

She doesn't look quite red enough... but has she laid any eggs yet and if so, when was her last one?

Please tell what vitamins are you giving now and how much?



ETA: Marek's Virus FAQ

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about your hen. At her age we tend to suspect Mareks disease when they suddenly cannot walk or have balance issues. But I treated a hen last year who was having balance issues, and she would take off running, and suddenly end up in her side or fall backward. She spent 5 weeks in a crate, and suddenly became well again. Mine never had paralysis, and could stand up, but then fall over. She is 8 and was vaccinated for Mareks, so we never learned what the problem was.

So, I would continue to observe her, give her vitamins, perhaps using 1/2 tablet of B complex daily in food, rather than using anything in her water which might taste bad or eventually cause disparehea. Make sure that she is eating and drinking enough, or help her out. A chicken sling might be something to try to get her up and in front of food and water. My hen refused to stay in one, but many with Mareks find them helpful. Here is a link about how to make them:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/
If she gets worse and you should lose her one day, try to get a necropsy by your state vet who could test her for Mareks. Here is a list of state vets:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

 

[glassdragonfly]

Sorry your hen is not feeling well, She is so pretty.