Euthanize or rehome broken chicken?

[Perris]

She was laying fine, so I would assume her apparatus is OK. You said she's underweight; that points to infection or disease possibly. Besides deficiencies of x or y, spells of laying soft- or shellless eggs can be triggered by Mycoplasmosis synoviae. Does she have any sign of that? snuffles? occasional sneeze? just under the weather? If she does, it's not fatal or damning; she may just go through cycles of this.

 

[Judiv]

She was laying fine, so I would assume her apparatus is OK. You said she's underweight; that points to infection or disease possibly. Besides deficiencies of x or y, spells of laying soft- or shellless eggs can be triggered by Mycoplasmosis synoviae. Does she have any sign of that? snuffles? occasional sneeze? just under the weather? If she does, it's not fatal or damning; she may just go through cycles of this.

I have noticed any symptoms like that - she seems s healthy and active as the others. I will watch a little closer though. (Maybe I just shouldn't compare her weight to the Orpingtons.)

 

[Perris]

Maybe I just shouldn't compare her weight to the Orpingtons

indeed! They can have mild MS which impacts the laying but has few other telltale signs.

 

[robinfox]

I would rehome this chicken,I'll tell you why. Someone out there may want her dispite her limitations. May bring happiness to a family or a breeder or some school. You've got so many chickens, giving away one to make someone happy it's hard because you love her but you'll feel better in the end.

 

[Judiv]

indeed! They can have mild MS which impacts the laying but has few other telltale signs.

What is the treatment for MS? Does a vet need to diagnose?

 

[Perris]

What is the treatment for MS? Does a vet need to diagnose?

It's one of those diseases which are more managed than treated; it's very widespread and carried by wild birds as well, and birds can build up natural immunity to it if they have a mild form. If this is the cause of her soft-shell/shellless eggs, it will improve in a month or so, and if she's showing no other signs, why not just wait and see? As she recovers from the bout, her eggs will return to normal - if this is indeed at the root of the issue.

 

[Judiv]

It's one of those diseases which are more managed than treated; it's very widespread and carried by wild birds as well, and birds can build up natural immunity to it if they have a mild form. If this is the cause of her soft-shell/shellless eggs, it will improve in a month or so, and if she's showing no other signs, why not just wait and see? As she recovers from the bout, her eggs will return to normal - if this is indeed at the root of the issue.

It's worth watching and hoping. I'll read up on the illness and symptoms and watch her closely. Also planning to stop giving any treats or scraps to increase proper nutrition in their feed. Fingers crossed her eggs will improve. Thanks!