Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[Sylvester017]

I suggest a nice lawnchair in the shade, hanging out with your beauties oh and don’t forget a hat and water (for you and your ladies).

I can't resist... how cute to put a hat on a chicken!

 

[Ponypoor]

No, not right now. I hate doing this but until I see some improvement, I am keeping her by herself to reduce the likelihood of her moving about.

The only actual clue I have is apparent distress when I tried checking under her feathers at the base of her neck and upper back. Could this be coincidence absolutely but it is all I have so far. I watched the video, thank you for that. It confirms what I read, it could be transient Mareks. I was heartened to hear she would likely recover from it if it is.

Your correct it does seem bilateral. I remain flummoxed on what is causing this.

I am out with the flock now, another day of no flock illness so she remains the only bird affected.

Thank you both excellent information, tips, and observations.

If you have a Vet you can get some prednisone from, you could also start her on that.

Just take it one day at a time, I always say, as long as they are eating, drinking and pooping give it time.

Meanwhile I will think good thoughts.

 

[knoturavggrl]

If it’s a neck injury it could manifest itself as both legs showing paralysis.

Of course this is all just conjecture.

And yes I would hedge my bets and keep her on vitamins. I would also if I had access, give some prednisone. Throw everything at it and hope for the best.

Of course it could be something as far off as a genetic issue. Though I have never heard of this in poultry.

One other thing I would think about is a poison, for instance botulism manifests as neurological symptoms. In humans it starts on the periphery- legs - and moves upwards.

Yes, I have definitely thought of toxins, possible for sure but with no other birds being ill. It’s lower on my list of possibilities.

SFH’s are not prone to genetic issues being landrace. It is still possible just less likely. I just spoke with the breeder and she said hasn't seen anything like this with hers and I was also able to confirm she does not vaccinate chicks.

 

[Sylvester017]

View attachment 4154523

Mr P & his shadow (Laverne)

 

[featherhead007]

Oh no, my birds are acting strangely.
There’s grapes all over the ground, but the will only eat from my hand, or when I first give a grape to the rooster.
The girls won’t eat them off the ground.

 

[Ponypoor]

I'm curious what the vaccines are for ~ AI? Here, we are eating eggs from our own Mareck's vaccinated birds. I spoke w/ one breeder who couldn't ever eat future eggs from a Baytril antibiotic injected bird cuz her immune system was compromised? We've got to be so careful to know what we eat nowadays.

I know our own vet has halted Baytril use here but it sure was a great cure for my previous flock birds. Now he prescribes oral antibiotics rather than using injections & it's a real pain trying to get oral meds into some chickens!

Mini was our multiple health problems bird. She was the one our vet used Baytril to save her a couple times from death's door!
View attachment 4154614

The issue with the use of Baytril, and other antibiotics, being prohibited for use in poultry has to do with the possibility of antibiotic resistance.

From where I am sitting the use of this in ‘pet’ backyard poultry is less of an issue than those huge factory farms using antibiotics.

As for a lifetime ban on eating eggs/meat from treated animals I would find it extremely unlikely after a couple weeks of finding any detectable levels an antibiotic in the birds system.

But - at the end of the day it is every persons own comfort levels and ethics, as to whether to use antibiotics (or other meds ie wormers); each person has their own right to their beliefs.

FYI - such a sweetie pie

 

[Ponypoor]

Mr P & his shadow (Laverne)

Nope! That’s Whiskers - this was take about 2 yrs ago we had a huge vicious thunderstorm with torrential rains, everything was just sogged! Flooding ponding everywhere. And the birds were loving it! All the bugs had floated to the top of the water and they were having a blast splashing in the water eating them.

 

[Ponypoor]

Oh no, my birds are acting strangely.
There’s grapes all over the ground, but the will only eat from my hand, or when I first give a grape to the rooster.
The girls won’t eat them off the ground.

Well sounds strange to me! Or maybe they have you trained well

 

[RoyalChick]

Poor sweetie! Was the plucking culprit properly chastised?!

No. I think it is Tassels. I know she is about to go broody when the nest box is lined with small fluffy black feathers. I think she and Calypso mutually pluck their beards to decorate her nest.
Weird birds!

 

[RoyalChick]

If it’s a neck injury it could manifest itself as both legs showing paralysis.

Of course this is all just conjecture.

And yes I would hedge my bets and keep her on vitamins. I would also if I had access, give some prednisone. Throw everything at it and hope for the best.

Of course it could be something as far off as a genetic issue. Though I have never heard of this in poultry.

One other thing I would think about is a poison, for instance botulism manifests as neurological symptoms. In humans it starts on the periphery- legs - and moves upwards.

Makes sense.
I think botulism in chickens wears off quite fast.
It is a puzzle.