Chicken not walking or moving

[Onnie1776]

I noticed yesterday late afternoon that one of my girls wasn't moving. She was still eating and drinking but if I put her on her feet she would spread her wings out a bit and lay back down. I called the vet right away but unfortunately nobody is available until after the 4th of July (Wednesday). In the meantime I am trying to figure out what is wrong with her and how I might be able to help. I have her outside with the other hens but I put her in a plastic storage container with shavings and feed and water. This way she can hear and see the other chickens but not have to be in the midst of things. She appears to be painting a bit. It is about 83 degrees F outside and she is in the shade so she shouldn't be overheated. She has access to fresh water and food in her container.
I have no idea what is wrong with her and was hoping someone might have an idea?

I think I can rule out:

• Bumblefeet - her feet appear fine. No swelling. Skin is fine. She is not walking though.
• Broken wings - I checked both of her wings and she didn't seem to be in pain. I didn't notice any broken bones.
• Vent - her vent appears fine also, but I honestly have no clue what I am looking for there.

I really appreciate any insight anyone might have. This is my first year with chickens so I am new to this.

 

[chcknluvr]

What breed is she and how old is she? This will help me get a better idea of what your dealing with.

 

[chcknluvr]

Also, do her wattles or comb appear pale?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi @Onnie1776 Welcome To BYC

How old is she?
Also if she is at laying age - when was the last time she laid an egg? Are her eggs "normal" no soft shell or shell-less eggs?
Do you notice any swelling, bloat of the abdomen?

If your weather is hot, then please do keep watch so she doesn't overheat outside in the tote.

Hopefully with more information, we can help you out.

 

[Onnie1776]

Hi there.

Thanks so much for answering me. She is a RIR and 3+ months of age. She has never laid an egg yet. She was totally fine until yesterday evening. It is hot out but she is in the shade. I can put her in the garage but I felt like being with her flock was probably less stressful for her. I attached a photo of her in her tote.

I did not notice any bloat or anything in her abdomen. She looks perfectly healthy except she isn't moving.

I just got back from the Natural pet food place. They gave me medicated chick feed which I gave her, as well as Nutri-Drench which I added to her water. In fact I gave both to all the girls to keep them healthy. In addition I have been adding powdered vitamins and electrolytes to theit water since I got them.

Hi @Onnie1776 Welcome To BYC

How old is she?
Also if she is at laying age - when was the last time she laid an egg? Are her eggs "normal" no soft shell or shell-less eggs?
Do you notice any swelling, bloat of the abdomen?

If your weather is hot, then please do keep watch so she doesn't overheat outside in the tote.

Hopefully with more information, we can help you out.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

She's a cutie

What does her poop look like (photos)?
What type of food/treats do you feed?
Any sour smell of her breath?
How does the crop feel?

Check her crop to see that it's emptying properly. You will need to wait until she goes to "bed". It should be full, check first thing in the morning, it should be empty.

It's possible that she may have Cocci. Medicated chick starter has a very small amount of Coccidiostat in it (usually Amprol/Amprolium). It is fine to give, but if you determine that Cocci is the cause of her decline, then you would need to treat with full dosage of Corid (Amprolium).

Do you know if she was vaccinated for Marek's?
Not trying to scare you, but it's possible she may have a disease like Marek's. Her age is about right, but let's hope we don't need to go down that pathway just yet.

 

[Onnie1776]

I checked her crop and I don't feel anything bulging or abnormal. I attached a photo of her poop. It is kind of runny but I don't see blood. I give the girls dried mealworm treats but I don't give them everyday. Her breath seems normal.

I am guessing she is not vaccinated because I did not even know that was an option.

 

[MissNutmeg]

She may be deficient in a vitamin. It happens alot especially if she is lower in the pecking order. If you hold her up on her feet and let go, does she fall back down instantly?
We already ruled out crop impaction and egg binding... How old is she again?

~Meg

Please feel free to send me a PM.

 

[Onnie1776]

That is exactly what she does! I pick her up and she just plops back down again. She is 3 months old. I have had her on vitamins and electrolytes in her water since I got the baby chicks, but I just added nutir-drench to the mix this morning.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Cocci doesn't always show up as blood in the stool

Symptoms include, going off feed, weakness/lethargy, loss of balance, loose droppings with mucous or blood and having a puffed up/ruffled appearance.

Since you have had them on the Durvet Vitamins and Electrolytes since they were babies(?) It's unlikely this is a vitamin deficiency. Personally, I would stop the Durvet, since it does have the added "electrolyte". Too much sodium could potentially be harmful.

I would direct dose her once a day with about 3drops of Nutri-Drench and provide fresh plain water the rest of the time.