Chicken, mobility problems, lethargic - NEED HELP!

[Lacy Duckwing]

I tried finding a BYC article on slings, but I didn't have much luck on that. I've had plenty of leg problems with my Cornish Xes, but because they was food, if a leg problem came up, for them, it was over. In your latest picture, it looks the leg is swollen. How old is she? I don't think that she's a Leghorn. How the RIR is so small next to her, I'd say she's Jersey Giant?

 

[Zerex]

I tried finding a BYC article on slings, but I didn't have much luck on that. I've had plenty of leg problems with my Cornish Xes, but because they was food, if a leg problem came up, for them, it was over. In your latest picture, it looks the leg is swollen. How old is she? I don't think that she's a Leghorn. How the RIR is so small next to her, I'd say she's Jersey Giant?

I did say she was a meat bird and not a Leghorn. A Leghorn was what the store 'tried' to sell me. The Rhode Island Red is also small for her breed, as I have other Rhode Island Reds before. She's about seven months old. I hope that's all that it is and not paralysis or something even more deadly. I don't want her to die.

 

[Zerex]

This same bird had trouble walking when she was younger. She would often sit around and not move much, scooting to eat. But she had recovered from that since I upgraded her living quarters to the coop instead, and I dismissed it. Perhaps she's always had leg problems. From what I understand, leg problems are common with meat birds.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Yes, she could've been hatched that way. Like perhaps the eggs was unhealthily dirty when set, and that's what caused the issue. I had a brooder go to bathroom all over her eggs, and one of her son's, Kai, hatched with a leg that he couldn't use. I had thought of removing it for his benefit, but was too scared to. That ended up being fatal for him, because there was no way for him to get to a feeder. Someone else had to feed him the older he got. Also, a dirty incubator could of been the cause.

 

[Zerex]

Yes, she could've been hatched that way. Like perhaps the eggs was unhealthily dirty when set, and that's what caused the issue. I had a brooder go to bathroom all over her eggs, and one of her son's, Kai, hatched with a leg that he couldn't use. I had thought of removing it for his benefit, but was too scared to. That ended up being fatal for him, because there was no way for him to get to a feeder. Someone else had to feed him the older he got. Also, a dirty incubator could of been the cause.

She hasn't been this way in a few months, preferring to walk around slowly a little bit. Now she won't stand and I'm trying not to panic but I've had a lot of problems with my birds this last year and I'm scared. I hope that that's all this is, because at least then it's not paralysis and I might be able to help her.

 

[Vickischics]

Yes, she could've been hatched that way. Like perhaps the eggs was unhealthily dirty when set, and that's what caused the issue. I had a brooder go to bathroom all over her eggs, and one of her son's, Kai, hatched with a leg that he couldn't use. I had thought of removing it for his benefit, but was too scared to. That ended up being fatal for him, because there was no way for him to get to a feeder. Someone else had to feed him the older he got. Also, a dirty incubator could of been the cause.

Hello Lacy, I'm sorry to read about your girl. You mentioned Frost Bite and I could see you live in Maine. Is it possible you could bring her inside? I know that's a lot to ask but, sometimes with constant observation, being warmed when stress does help.
Frost bite will not be your friend as she will need to have the foot/leg amputated. Feed her scrambled eggs and nutri drench or Chic Saver. Make sure she has access to fresh water and her feed. Really inspect her legs and feet/toes.
Make sure the other girls have a roost of 4 inches wide to completely sit down ontop of their toes/feet to stay warm. Close off all drafts from the cold wet wind.
I wish you luck with your girl. I hope your loving tender care will figure out whats going on with her.

 

[Zerex]

Hello Lacy, I'm sorry to read about your girl. You mentioned Frost Bite and I could see you live in Maine. Is it possible you could bring her inside? I know that's a lot to ask but, sometimes with constant observation, being warmed when stress does help.
Frost bite will not be your friend as she will need to have the foot/leg amputated. Feed her scrambled eggs and nutri drench or Chic Saver. Make sure she has access to fresh water and her feed. Really inspect her legs and feet/toes.
Make sure the other girls have a roost of 4 inches wide to completely sit down ontop of their toes/feet to stay warm. Close off all drafts from the cold wet wind.
I wish you luck with your girl. I hope your loving tender care will figure out whats going on with her.

I'm slightly worried about warming her up suddenly if she does have frostbite. I have no clue on how to judge whether or not she has frostbite sadly. I am also not Lacy and am from Michigan, if that helps. I hope she does not need her leg or foot amputated as that sounds scary and I will likely hurt her as I am not a vet and do not know what I am doing. Do you know how to judge whether or not this frostbite damage? It does get pretty cold around here but I've never had any of my girls suffer from frostbite before other than a slight (not black) singing of their combs that healed just fine.

Thank you for all of your help.

 

[Zerex]

Hello Lacy, I'm sorry to read about your girl. You mentioned Frost Bite and I could see you live in Maine. Is it possible you could bring her inside? I know that's a lot to ask but, sometimes with constant observation, being warmed when stress does help.
Frost bite will not be your friend as she will need to have the foot/leg amputated. Feed her scrambled eggs and nutri drench or Chic Saver. Make sure she has access to fresh water and her feed. Really inspect her legs and feet/toes.
Make sure the other girls have a roost of 4 inches wide to completely sit down ontop of their toes/feet to stay warm. Close off all drafts from the cold wet wind.
I wish you luck with your girl. I hope your loving tender care will figure out whats going on with her.

I am afraid she is dying. She ate the scrambled eggs, with her crumble, and she drank a lot of water when I placed it near, including the Chic Saver, but she was having severe mobility problems and can only move around with her wings now. This likely doesn't have to do with frostbite at all. After that she became incredibly lethargic, like she wore herself out and fell asleep. Its likely only a matter of time. Im trying to prepare myself for the worst...

 

[Vickischics]

I'm slightly worried about warming her up suddenly if she does have frostbite. I have no clue on how to judge whether or not she has frostbite sadly. I am also not Lacy and am from Michigan, if that helps. I hope she does not need her leg or foot amputated as that sounds scary and I will likely hurt her as I am not a vet and do not know what I am doing. Do you know how to judge whether or not this frostbite damage? It does get pretty cold around here but I've never had any of my girls suffer from frostbite before other than a slight (not black) singing of their combs that healed just fine.

Thank you for all of your help.

Oops sorry for the incorrect name and location.
Warming her up is by bringing her inside to the warmth of your home and providing her with extra TLC to figure out what is going on. Most types of digital amputations do require a Vet if that's an option. I know it's difficult to locate a Poultry Vet. Plus, it might be cost prohibited which is terrible.
I wish you the best and please keep up posted.
Pictures can help us a lot too.