chicken with Paralysed legs

[muffinmasher007]

Hello Backyard chicken users
My pet chicken cannot stand up or walk as her legs seem to be paralysed, she is very lethargic but is still eating and drinking when I bring it to her. Does anyone have any idea if this could have been caused by a bite from something, or if it is some sort of chicken disease? she is 4years old.
Any suggestions welcome.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

cannot stand up or walk as her legs seem to be paralysed, she is very lethargic but is still eating and drinking when I bring it to her.....she is 4years old.

Can you post some photos or a video of her?
Have you added any new chickens to your flock in the last 30days?
Any chance she ate anything rotten/moldy?
How hot has it been?

At 4yrs of age, it's hard to know what's going on.
When was the last time she laid an egg? Any swelling/bloat of the abdomen?

It could be a number of things, heat stroke, internal laying/reproductive disorders, being exposed to a disease from new chickens, old age. Without more information it's hard to know.

Provide her with some poultry vitamins, keep her hydrated and if you haven't done so, separate her so you can monitor her more closely.

 

[muffinmasher007]

Can you post some photos or a video of her?
Have you added any new chickens to your flock in the last 30days?
Any chance she ate anything rotten/moldy?
How hot has it been?

At 4yrs of age, it's hard to know what's going on.
When was the last time she laid an egg? Any swelling/bloat of the abdomen?

It could be a number of things, heat stroke, internal laying/reproductive disorders, being exposed to a disease from new chickens, old age. Without more information it's hard to know.

Provide her with some poultry vitamins, keep her hydrated and if you haven't done so, separate her so you can monitor her more closely.

She has not laid any eggs since she was two years old and there are no other hens. And as I am aware she has not eaten anything rotten. It has been quite cold 7-8 degrees at night, so maybe that has something to do with it. I looked up some possible diseases and it came up 'Mareks disease' which paralyses a chicken. video is not working but I will describe it to you- When I lift her up she fails to use her legs and they are really floppy and she completely immobile. I have her in a tub inside with a blanket and straw to keep her comfortable. Thank-you so much

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry she is still not doing well.

What do you feed her?

Since she hasn't laid eggs in a long time, she may have an internal laying/reproductive disorder like Egg Yolk Peritonitis, cancer or tumors. Any of these can cause lameness/not being able to walk, if the egg masses or tumors are pressing against internal organs.

It's possible she could have come down with Marek's, usually it is seen in chickens much younger, but if she has a weakened system from something else, should could become symptomatic.

It sounds like she has a nice comfy spot. Do the best you can to see she drinks/eats. If you have a vet that can examine her, that would be your best option.

 

[muffinmasher007]

Hello Wyorp rock, I took my hen to the vet on Monday and she confirmed that she had most likely picked up Marek's disease some how. The vet said there was no cure and had put her to sleep.Thank-you for your suggestions

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm sorry for your loss