Alert, egg laying hen can't stand up. What could be wrong?

[JessicaThistle]

Hi Jessica. I had an 8 year old Langshan rooster who had similar symptoms. He started with weakness and lying down a lot, but could walk around when he wanted to. My vet thinks he suffered an injury, possibly to his spine, and he eventually couldn't support any of his weight or stand on his own. I moved him indoors and braced him with towels to prop him up. He continued to eat, drink and poop. He would flip himself around and end up lying on his side, so I would prop him back up. We treated him with Meloxicam (an NSAID) for 2 weeks, but it didn't help him and after many tears we euthanized him.

Yep it sounds very similar. It is a shame when our chickens have random problems but unfortunately, it happens and the right thing is not allow them to suffer or live without chicken quality of life.

 

[casportpony]

For hens, one should consider hypocalcemia. Sorry for your loss.

-Kathy