Chicken having a hard time walking

[crystalchickmomma]

Hello, my 1.5 year old barred rock is having a hard time. About a month ago she would waddle some. Didn't think anything of it, she is a bigger girl. Well about 2 weeks ago, she now can barely walk. She has a swollen belly. I thought she was eggbound. Checked No. Did some research figured she had waterbelly, tried to drain it, nothing comes out. Just yesterday, now she hobbles a few steps falls toward her right, using her right wing to stop her or hold her up. She isn't eating much, but still eats a live mealworm or two. She ate some watermelon and dried mealworms. She still poops a bit. It isn't Mareks, her legs are under her. I am at a loss. Any treatment? I am at the point of putting her down due to quality of life. Help!

 

[azygous]

Where is her belly swollen? In front and between the legs or behind the legs and under the vent? The former is water belly (ascites) and the latter is likely a reproductive infection.

You can often diagnose which by withdrawing fluid and checking the color. Since the fluid for each accumulates in the tissue just under the outer skin, by going too deep with the needle, you may not get any fluid and run the risk of injuring organs.

Is she eating and drinking? If not, she may be weak and that's why she has balance issues. Try offering her water with a spoonful of sugar stirred in, and some soft boiled egg. If this revives her and resolves the balance problem, then you might try to figure out what her underlying issue is.

 

[crystalchickmomma]

Where is her belly swollen? In front and between the legs or behind the legs and under the vent? The former is water belly (ascites) and the latter is likely a reproductive infection.

You can often diagnose which by withdrawing fluid and checking the color. Since the fluid for each accumulates in the tissue just under the outer skin, by going too deep with the needle, you may not get any fluid and run the risk of injuring organs.

Is she eating and drinking? If not, she may be weak and that's why she has balance issues. Try offering her water with a spoonful of sugar stirred in, and some soft boiled egg. If this revives her and resolves the balance problem, then you might try to figure out what her underlying issue is.