chicken "crab-walking"

[PeggySueQ]

one of my three hens is "crab walking". She points her head forward and tries to go forward but walks sideways. She also shakes her head and crouches down. This started two days ago. She is also in the middle of a very heavy molt and quilling. I took her to the vet yesterday. Vet said she was in good flesh, no fever, no bound egg or abdominal masses. Wattle good color, no mites, bright eyes, legs in good form. Wormed three months ago.

She and her two hen roommates have a good, sturdy, large coop, fresh hay on the floor (no mold), they free range in the backyard all day, lots of fresh water. Their diet is 3 cups of fresh veggies/fruit per day (same mix for 4 years), triple duty, hen scratch, pigeon feed, oyster shell.

I've read my chicken book backwards and forwards over the last two days. She doesn't fit any disease profile. HELP!

 

[adkchickmama]

PeggySueQ, I have no idea what this is but I am sure many of the more experienced BYCers will reply soon. Until then good luck with your poor hen. Perhaps a dose of PolyViSol vitamins(wo iron) would help if she is experiencing a heavy molt.

 

[PeggySueQ]

the polyvisol is a good idea! I'll go to the feed store tomorrow and pick some up.