Chicken suddenly struggling the breathe and can’t walk

[Birdsong 82]

I unfortunately am at work so I’m not there to experience the exact symptoms. My daughter called me crying one of our americana‘s started making a noises she noticed it was struggling to breathe and couldn’t get up. At first she thought its leg was broken. When she hung up with me she said she’s barely breathing and she’s probably about to pass. All that happened within about five minutes. She supposed to call me back and let me know what’s going on. It sounds very similar to something I had to happen to two of my chickens years ago. I know you can send a chicken off somewhere to see why it died. But does anyone know the details where I could send the body

 

[Birdsong 82]

Ok. She’s still with us. Only one leg works and breathing is heavy. It’s not heat because she been in ac all morning ( long story). She keeps closing one eye. Not sure what I can do. I don’t get home till 6 or 7 Any ideas?

 

[Birdsong 82]

She just blankly staring

 

[Birdsong 82]

Well she ate and drank a little bit he doesn’t seem so disoriented and her breathing has gotten more normal. But she still can’t stand up My daughter said there doesn’t appear to be anything wrong with either of her legs. I’ll be home in about an hour to look at it myself but just seeing if anybody had any thoughts

 

[casportpony]

Oh no, poor girl. Is she vaccinated for Marek's?

 

[Birdsong 82]

I got her as pullet from feed store ( really an Easter egger) So doubtful. She’s about 3 months old. I was thinking maybe marek but other than the legs she seems to be getting ‘better’ at least better than earlier. She been chilling on towels with my 18 yr old cat ( she’s used to chickens) and just fell asleep ( think it was comforting maybe) She’s drinking if I but only with encouragement and ate a little and will try to stand up but just falls. She is sleeping upright at least rather than on her side like picture

 

[Birdsong 82]

She’ll be in the small dog kennel inside still at least for overnight.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Poor girl!

Marek's does come to mind.

Any chance she ate something moldy, rotten or toxic?

You mention she's been inside, was she brought in due to the symptoms or previously for something else?

I'd work on hydration, keep her drinking. Supportive care with B-Complex (1/4 tablet).

Really hard to know what's happening with her. If you do lose her, then a necropsy should reveal more.

You can find your state lab here https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry-labs.html

 

[Birdsong 82]

Yes definitely a necropsy! i hope it doesn’t come to that but. Your right. It is very hard to tell. Got a little nutri drench in her before she was falling asleep.
I’ll have to look for b complex today.

 

[Birdsong 82]

Yes definitely a necropsy!

i hope it doesn’t come to that but I’m glad to know where to look into that so thank you. Your right. It is very hard to tell. Got a little nutri drench in her before she was falling asleep.
I’ll have to look for b complex today.