becoming weak

[Dishens]

Hello, my 20 wk old Ameraucana pullet began limping about a week ago. She would knuckle under her left foot. I created her and left her with her flock in the covered run. At night the crate went into the coop. I would allow her out while I cleaned out the crate every day and to cuddle her. Yesterday I noticed a decline in her strength, she wouldn’t stand. She was a little lethargic, but picking at her food and drinking vitamin water. Today she seems worse. Very floppy. I can’t say if she ate since yesterday, but does drink. I made her scrambled egg and mixed with leftover oatmeal, and added starter food, and crumbled egg shell. She was interested in that for several bites. I brought the crate in the house now so she wouldn’t have to deal with the cold as well. I had to clean her butt off as it seems she isn’t moving around to eliminate. Can anyone offer help? What is going on? What more can I do? Thanks.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry your pullet. She is at an age where some may show signs of Mareks disease. Hoepfully it is not that, but something to consider. What vitamins are you using? Do they contain riboflavin (B2?) What do her poops look like? Have you had any coccidiosis in your chickens before? That might be something to test for if you can get a sample of droppings checked by your regular local vet. But you can go ahead and treat for that if you wish, with Corid (amprollium,) found in most feed stores. The liquid is cheaper, and dosage is 2 tsp to each gallon of water (or 1/2 tap per quart/liter) for 5-7 days. Sypmtoms of coccidiosis are lethargy, weakness, poor appetite, runny poops, and standing puffed up or hunched.

 

[Eggcessive]

Has she started laying eggs yet? You may want to check her for egg binding just in case, by inserting one finger into her vent about 1-2 inches to feel for a stuck egg. Being egg bound in rare cases can cause a temporary lameness.

Do you know if she was vaccinated for Mareks? Here are some articles to read about Mareks disease:
https://extension.psu.edu/mareks-disease-in-chickens

https://extension.umd.edu/sites/ext...Preventing Mareks Disease in Small Flocks.pdf

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

 

[Dishens]

Sorry your pullet. She is at an age where some may show signs of Mareks disease. Hoepfully it is not that, but something to consider. What vitamins are you using? Do they contain riboflavin (B2?) What do her poops look like? Have you had any coccidiosis in your chickens before? That might be something to test for if you can get a sample of droppings checked by your regular local vet. But you can go ahead and treat for that if you wish, with Corid (amprollium,) found in most feed stores. The liquid is cheaper, and dosage is 2 tsp to each gallon of water (or 1/2 tap per quart/liter) for 5-7 days. Sypmtoms of coccidiosis are lethargy, weakness, poor appetite, runny poops, and standing puffed up or hunched.

I’m using Nuridrench. I don’t see riboflavin listed. Her poop is good. I have had coccidia recently, they were all treated. Back in September. Right now she won’t stand. She is lying on her side. What will riboflavin do?

Has she started laying eggs yet? You may want to check her for egg binding just in case, by inserting one finger into her vent about 1-2 inches to feel for a stuck egg. Being egg bound in rare cases can cause a temporary lameness.

Do you know if she was vaccinated for Mareks? Here are some articles to read about Mareks disease:
https://extension.psu.edu/mareks-disease-in-chickens

https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/_docs/programs/poultry/FS-1007 Recognizing and Preventing Mareks Disease in Small Flocks.pdf

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

she has not begun to lay. Her breeder told me no vaccines were given. I’m concerned about Mareks, I have another 13.

 

[Eggcessive]

Poultry Cell identical to NutriDrench has riboflavin, but it is easy to supplement in food. Riboflavin deficiency can cause curled under toes and walking on hocks, leading to lameness. It usually affects both legs. Do you have any vitamin B complex or nutritional yeast in the house? Foods rich in riboflavin are chopped almonds, beef, salmon, plain yogurt, and egg yolk.

 

[Dishens]

Poultry Cell identical to NutriDrench has riboflavin, but it is essy to supplement in food. Riboflavin deficiency can cause curled under toes and walking on hocks, leading to lameness. It usually affects both legs. Do you have any vitamin B complex or nutritional yeast in the house? Foods rich in riboflavin are chopped almonds, beef, salmon, plain yogurt, and egg yolk.

 

[Dishens]

Poultry Cell identical to NutriDrench has riboflavin, but it is essy to supplement in food. Riboflavin deficiency can cause curled under toes and walking on hocks, leading to lameness. It usually affects both legs. Do you have any vitamin B complex or nutritional yeast in the house? Foods rich in riboflavin are chopped almonds, beef, salmon, plain yogurt, and egg yolk.

I ran out to CVS and found liquid B complex. I syringed it. She ate a little bit of scrambled egg, lying on her side. I also syringed a little water as well. She is asleep now. Should I wake her and administer more vitamins later this evening? I’m not sure how frequently this needs to be done. Thanks for your help.

 

[Eggcessive]

Once a day with the vitamins is fine. B complex liquid is hard to overdose, but she probably only needs 1/4 ml daily. The NutriDrench is 2 ml daily for a 5-6 pound hen.

You might want to prop her on some towels or check out some of the homemade chicken slings. Some chickens tolerate them well, while some fight them, and do not tolerate them. But they are food to get the chicken upright, keep them cleaner, and in front of food and water for periods throughout the day. Take them out to rest and stretch, and sleep at night. Here is the link:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/

 

[Dishens]

Once a day with the vitamins is fine. B complex liquid is hard to overdose, but she probably only needs 1/4 ml daily. The NutriDrench is 2 ml daily for a 5-6 pound hen.

You might want to prop her on some towels or check out some of the homemade chicken slings. Some chickens tolerate them well, while some fight them, and do not tolerate them. But they are food to get the chicken upright, keep them cleaner, and in front of food and water for periods throughout the day. Take them out to rest and stretch, and sleep at night. Here is the link:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/

The sling is a good idea. Hopefully she is stronger tomorrow and can hold her head up. Thanks again!

 

[Dishens]

Once a day with the vitamins is fine. B complex liquid is hard to overdose, but she probably only needs 1/4 ml daily. The NutriDrench is 2 ml daily for a 5-6 pound hen.

You might want to prop her on some towels or check out some of the homemade chicken slings. Some chickens tolerate them well, while some fight them, and do not tolerate them. But they are food to get the chicken upright, keep them cleaner, and in front of food and water for periods throughout the day. Take them out to rest and stretch, and sleep at night. Here is the link:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/

Would Poultry Cell be the same dose?