Dying hen? Advice?

[Hellinahelmet]

Have a 10-12 week old rhode island pullet who up until a few days ago seemed to be fine, running around with all 35 of her pals and eating well. Recently she went into an episode where she pulls her head as far left as she can and she has difficulty walking. It almost looks as if she's had a stroke or way too much booze. She initially was able to walk (in circles) and eat/drink. I figured she'd be alright but the next day she deteriorated and was unable to eat or drink. She has her perching reflex in both feet. She initially squawked when I'd straighten her head out but no longer is able to. Sometimes she would give the faintest sound but even that is gone now. All she does now is lay on her side and occasionally move her head up and down. I'm not sure whats going on with her so I will probably be culling her when I get home from work unless she somehow finds a way to improve. She is separate from the rest of her flock with plenty of fresh food and water. The other 34 hens and the duck show no signs of distress and are doing well. Does anyone have any idea what could be going on with my hen?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Hellinahelmet]

Quick update- she's still lying around barely moving. I'm almost certain I'll be culling when I get home from work

 

[animallover505]

heat stroke? or any other stroke or disease. I have no idea.

 

[seminolewind]

Sounds like some kind of nerve damage, may be an unknown reason. I would probably cull her. You may nurse her for months only to not have her get better. Sorry!

 

[Hellinahelmet]

Forgot to update- she lasted about two more days with no improvement before she gave up the ghost. None of the other birds shows any trouble so I'm going with the assumption that this was an isolated neurological defect in the one bird. Thanks for the insight guys!

 

[GertrudeLover01]

Forgot to update- she lasted about two more days with no improvement before she gave up the ghost. None of the other birds shows any trouble so I'm going with the assumption that this was an isolated neurological defect in the one bird. Thanks for the insight guys!

Oh no, my pullet has been doing that for about a month.....I am so upset, but it is against the law here to cull. She is VERY slowly and VERY painfully dying. I am so sad. Any tips appreciated.

 

[moomoodiddy]

Oh no, my pullet has been doing that for about a month.....I am so upset, but it is against the law here to cull. She is VERY slowly and VERY painfully dying. I am so sad. Any tips appreciated.

why cant yall kill birds...wow....hmmm.....maybe an "accident" will happen...maybe put her neck under a broom stick and pull up...they dont have to know. it would be better than letting them suffer

 

[Hellinahelmet]

Sorry to hear, I would recommend pleading ignorance to the law and culling anyway somehow. Otherwise you could probably go to the local vet and ask that they euthanize her for you. I'm sure they would not have a problem doing that for you to alleviate the suffering of the bird.

 

[GertrudeLover01]

Sorry to hear, I would recommend pleading ignorance to the law and culling anyway somehow. Otherwise you could probably go to the local vet and ask that they euthanize her for you. I'm sure they would not have a problem doing that for you to alleviate the suffering of the bird.

I don't have a local avian vet. I am working to cure her anyhow and will get back to ya'll. Anyways, I cannot BEAR even thinking about that!

 

[GertrudeLover01]

I don't have a local avian vet. I am working to cure her anyhow and will get back to ya'll. Anyways, I cannot BEAR even thinking about that!

I did indeed have to cull her. It was the hardest thing in the world to do. I couldn't be any sadder. I don't see how i will ever be better. It's awful.