EMERGENCY: Chicken shaking and falling over? VIDEO

[Jeffross1968]

I let the chickens out this morning and found a 3 month old white faced black spanish just sitting in the bedding in the coop. These things are usually very skittish, and won't let me get too close. Well, she let me pick her up. As soon as I did, she started shaking like she was having a seizure and flapping her wings. When I put her back down, she stumbled a couple steps to the side and then collapsed. I did this same thing 3 or 4 times, and she did it every time. Any idea what this could be?

 

[Jeffross1968]

Here is a short video I took...

 

[Jeffross1968]

Video doesn't seem to be working imbedded. Not sure why... here is direct link....

 

[Jeffross1968]

Anyone have any clues? I should say that they were vaccinated against mareks.

 

[BackyardBreeder]

I think it might be some neurological thing. She could have botulism. My chickens did the exact same thing.

 

[rosewolf22002]

You said you found her in the bedding right? I had one fall off of the roost while it was asleep and it did that. It was brain swelling. She lived but was never the same. Good luck!

 

[KimKimWilliamso]

Could be vestibular disease? Or a head injury. Poor thing. Id keep her in a "hospital cage" until you can determine more.

 

[Jeffross1968]

I'm really leaning towards it being an injury. I just moved it into a larger plastic tub and it stood up straight for a bit, but it was standing very light on one foot. It eventually fell to it's side again. But I've put it in a container that I can see through, so I'm going to watch it tonight and we'll see.

 

[Jeffross1968]

If it was something horrible, would the bird be up and walking around normally at this point, only 24 hours later? We noticed her last night (she's inside the house with us) putting weight on both legs for a while before sitting back down. This morning, she's walking around pretty normally and frankly, I'm considering adding her back to the flock. Opinions?

 

[rosewolf22002]

Sounds like it was a fall. I would keep her apart for a few days if you can. You can put her back if you think she is stable. I am so glad she feels better!