Balance question

[HunniB]

We are new to chickens and have 8 Ameraucanas ranging from about 15 to 20 weeks old that we got about 6 weeks ago.

Everything seemed to be going along fine until this morning when we noticed that one of the younger ones seems to be having a problem. When she walks she does not seem to be able to balance well. She is eating fine - just put some yoghurt in the pen and she was gobbling it up. When she stands, she is just fine, but she keels over a bit when she is walking. The rest of them seem fine.

My husband and I are very concerned and are totally clueless as to what it could be and more important, what to do.

Any suggestions?

Added: She doesn't always list over when she is walking - only sometimes. Other times she seems fine walking.

 

[Judy]

Ugh. I don't know either. If no one else develops the problem, that would tend to rule out things like a problem with the feed or a toxin in the environment, which doesn't leave much but neurological problems. Here is a very informative thread on approaches that may help:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=204224

 

[HunniB]

Thanks for the info DDawn. We have been keeping a very close eye on her today and the situation does not seem to be worsening.

She seems to be able to walk around fine most of the time. Her appetite is excellent and none of the others seem to be picking on her at all (thank heavens).

I am keeping my fingers crossed that the whole thing will just go away! I know, wishful thinking.......

 

[HunniB]

Here is an update on our situtation from last week.

The chicken that I had originally inquired about seemed fine the next morning. Another though was unable to stand or walk. We decided to take it to our vet (I know it seems a bit over the top, but we wanted to know and hopefully nip anything else in the bud.)

The vet said she had had a similar situation with one of hers and after a week of intensive care, it didn't make it. She did a couple of tests and seemed to determine that it was a virus of some sort. The chicken ended up dying later that morning.

Since then, we have had NO issues whatsoever. They all seem fine and we are keeping our fingers crossed that they will all stay that way.