Handicapped chicken looking for a companion

[ranchhand]

How long has she been this way? Was she vaccinated for Marek's as a chick?

 

[juliemealy]

Quote:
I noticed her deformed legs about 3 days after getting her from a breeder. Another lady has a chicken with the same problems and this is what she said "A vet told me that my bird has a genetic problem caused by breeding too much within the same flock. Problems with the ligaments is one of the most common genetic problems caused by this. My chicken's ligaments don't securely attach her muscles and bones so she can't stand well or walk at all. She spends most of her time laying on her side too."

I will call the breeder to see if she was vaccinated. Thanks.

 

[MissJenny]

Sounds more like splay leg to me. She might benefit from Poly-vi-sol Children's vitamins and splinting her legs -- some use pipe cleaners for splints. You might want to look up "splay leg" or "spraddle leg." The one that flops over on it's back might likely be Marek's.

The goal would be to try a few possible solutions before just accepting what one person, who might be entirely wrong, said it was. That chick might recover.

Jenny

 

[Chicken Chickita]

Taking her to a vet couldn't hurt. It would be wonderfulit'd it were treatable! I love that you are getting so many responses!

 

[juliemealy]

Quote:
I'm surprised about all of the replies. Did you read the post on "new member..." from a lady that splinted her chicken at 3-6 months of age and now the chicken can walk? I thought I would try it but then I started thinking I don't want to make her any worse because Sophie does use one or both knees (i'm not for sure) to flop around. She has always been able to get to the food, etc. it may just take her longer than a normal chicken. What are your thoughts?

 

[bonwald]

You said that your chicken sat out in the yard with the dogs. She may not be as lonely as it seems. Like one reply said that they don't have to be the same species to be friends. Also, a special needs animal really can love the person who takes care of those special needs. Maybe a couple of toys would be good for her.

 

[Chicken Chickita]

Quote:
I'm surprised about all of the replies. Did you read the post on "new member..." from a lady that splinted her chicken at 3-6 months of age and now the chicken can walk? I thought I would try it but then I started thinking I don't want to make her any worse because Sophie does use one or both knees (i'm not for sure) to flop around. She has always been able to get to the food, etc. it may just take her longer than a normal chicken. What are your thoughts?

I did read that. It's hard to say without meeting Sophie. I'm not sure if it makes a difference depending on how old the chicken is. I know splints wouldn't work with Clover. Maybe a vet could confirm what's wrong. I had chicks with splayed leg and vitamins plus tape worked, but they were babies. It would be wonderful if it were to work!! But it's a tough call. Before trying it you might want to have her examined.

Clover uses a knee sometimes and sometimes balances on one leg and wraps her other foot around the leg she's balanced on. Mostly, she just flops around a lot though. I would have tried splinting Clover if I had though it would have worked.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Heres a really great link that may give you some ideas on how to help your chicken. I hope so. All the best. https://sites.google.com/a/poultrypedia.com/poultrypedia/

 

[Chicken Chickita]

In the meantime, maybe put some mirrors in with her. My similar chicken usually sits facing her mirror and watching herself.

 

[roz]

I had a special needs polish crested...one leg faced forward, one backwards. I tried to have her with the rest of my flock, but they would pluck her crest clean and make her bleed. I lucked out and was scouring craigslist and happend upon someone looking for polish cresteds. She took our special needs girl and is giving her a great life! She is actually a member here on BYC too. Our little special needs girl gets pampered big time in her new home! She is a very lucky chicken. Good luck to you! I hope you either find her a companion for your house, and find a loving home for her.