Help! My chicken is very ill, I don't know what it could be :(

[emlouxo]

Hello everyone,

Recently we got given three Ross chickens from people we know and they came in very bad condition! Their feathers were plucked on their back side that all you could see was skin and all looked quite over weight. About 4/5 days ago one of the chickens suddenly stopped walking and is now constantly sitting, he was still eating and drinking fine, sp we picked him up to see what the problem could be and his legs /feet are all crippled almost as if he is paralysed in the feet, so he is unable to move, I think he can still move his wings but doesnt get him far without his legs, as stated he has been drinking eating untill today, he wont drink or eat, and has clear bubblles coming from his eyes and nose!! Im really scared in case he is in pain and I dont know what to do, another thing is that when he breaths his face under his eye inflates in and out, what could this be??? my brother and I have no knowledge about chickens to this extent I would really appreciate it if someone have me some insight. Do we put him down? Can we cure him? How do I do these things??

I thank anyone who has the time to read this!!

 

[Toddrick]

I would put them all down and sanitize the area.

Sounds like MG, and probably multiple contagious diseases that are more likely than not incurable.

 

[emlouxo]

Okay, do you have suggestions on what to do with him next? Do I keep him company untill he passes or take him to a vet?
Do you know if he would be in pain?

Thanks

 

[enola]

How old is this chicken?

 

[emlouxo]

I really couldn't say, The chickens were literally dropped off to us, no idea where they came from, but they are fully grown, I think, they're not small

 

[Toddrick]

This happens so often with diseased chickens, which is why I'd never buy from anywhere other than a hatchery, reputable breeder, or feed store. Someone else's chicken problems have been dumped on your doorstep, and you probably paid cash for it. It sounds like it would've been impossible for them to not know the birds were sick, and if they knew the first thing about chickens then they'd know the situation was dire. So the most likely situation is that they didn't have the guts to do what needed done, or they were so desperate for money that they sold them unethically.

I would get a stump and a sharp hatchet, put some gloves on and, with regret, do what needs done ASAP. There may be some minute chance that one of the birds somehow is not a carrier of the disease, but the risk is far too great. You won't be able to reflock until at least a month even if you decontaminate because of the germs, so the sooner you get rid of them the better.

Don't take my word for it, do your own research on MG, Mareks, and infectious Coryza. Go to the vet and have tests run if you don't mind blowing a couple hundred bucks. Post pics of you want, document more symptoms, but it sounds very bad from your initial description, so I've prepared you for the worst.