Chicken is wheezing, favoring one leg...

[Cjtriestchick]

Hi all,

My Easter egger Mothra suddenly started wheezing. She is also stumbling and favoring one leg. The other chickens are avoiding her and even fighting her. I'm worried this is not looking too good for my little Mothra. Any insight/ ideas? I did read that wheezing could be caused by gapeworm, but in that example they said the chicken acts mostly normal with the flock. Looking for insight!

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. How old is Mothra? Have you added any new chickens to your flock in recent months? Was she vaccinated for Mareks disease? The wheezing could be a sign of a respiratory disease, or something that is in her throat, but also might be due to something like heart problem or water belly.

The more concerning problem is the stumbling and favoring one leg. Being attacked by flockmates is a sign that they know something is wrong with her. I would separate her inside the coop or run in a dog crate with food and water for her safety, and to observe her. They do better close to the flock for company. Do she move both legs and toes? Are her toes curled under on the bad foot? Can you look at her foot pads for any scabs or bumblefoot?

I always hate to mention Mareks disease as a possibility, but hopefully, she has just suffered an injury. I would try giving her some B complex vitamins—1/4 to 1/2 tablet daily crushed or grated onto food. Tell us how she is eating and drinking when you can observe her.