Curly Toe Paralysis?

[valreegrl]

I have a hen who I originally thought had a broken toe, as it was bent up. Although did not cause pain when maneuvered (I think).

At the time, I wrapped it but the next day the wrapping was off. Second try, same thing.

I did get some advise that it could heal on it's own, and she seemed to be comfortable, although was resting quite a bit.

After a couple weeks, same thing, however it seems to be her entire foot, not the toe.

Researching, I am thinking it is curly toe paralysis.
Last night, I headed out and bought the Poly-Vi-Sol without Iron and gave her two drops on her beak.

This morning, she came out into the run (she hasn't wanted to in the last few days), although her foot still looks the same.

My question is, should I continue with the vitamins and hope for the best? If so, should I give her another dose tonight and then continue them in the water? If the water is shared by other healthy hens, will this be a problem?

I am really hoping this is it as we were sure we would need to cull.

 

[Holly O]

I hope so too!

 

[RhodeRunner]

Hmm. I had this issue a few years ago and though many say that it isn’t genetic it proved to pass on to all the chicks, and I had to cull them all. I hope this isn’t the case for you, but if you are planning to breed, or know that it is possible that this bird could hatch out chicks you may want to cull her. But, otherwise I don’t see why you can’t keep her as a pet.

As for the medication, for her I suggest doing what it says on the directions. As for distributing it to the other hens for the best of my knowledge extra minerals and vitamins should just wash out of their bodies. But, I suppose there could be something else in there, so it may not be a good idea. Is there a way that you could separate this hen from the flock until treatment is over? If she is a weak bird, she could get something else and spread it around to.

Hope she gets better.

 

[valreegrl]

We do not intend to breed her. She is strictly an egg laying hen and pet.

I thought about separating her, however when she is aware from the other
girls, she is very unhappy. It seems that she finds comfort with them. And the others check on her periodically throughout the day as they free-range. It's very strange.

My thought is that I am going to treat her for a week with the two drops on her beak. If a week after that, she hasn't shown any improvement then I think we will cull.

Mainly because I think her quality of life isn't the best, but want to give her every shot I can. And I am also worried about her picking something up in her weakened state and passing it on to the others.

Is there anything else I can do? Any other treatment? And does this sort of thing just show up?