Hemiparesis - hen can't stand

[bethadee]

I have a hen with a fox-induced brain injury. She appears to have full strength in her right half, but lacking in ability to use muscles appropriately. My vet friend tells me it's hemiparesis, meaning brain damage has caused nerve issues in her right half. She can't walk, so I've been using a combination of slings and careful leaning to get her in a position where she can eat and drink, but she inevitably falls over.

Has anyone dealt with this type of injury and had the hen recover? She started off very weak on one side, so her limbs have gained in strength, but her balance is nowhere close to being able to walk. Her appetite and will to live seem to be there.

 

[hatchichickens]

Well I don't have any personal experience in this but I have seen chicken wheelchairs.. they work better on hard surfaces than on grass, but if you are willing to give her lots of tlc and see it is definitely a possibility.
Here's a site that sells specialty wheelchairs that have been used for chickens:
https://www.k9carts.com/specialty-wheelchair-gallery
or here's a diy version
http://www.roosterhooch.com/poultry-health-information/chicken-wheelchair/
best of luck to you and your sweet hen.

 

[bethadee]

Update:

After 1 week of rest, and 1 week of Metacam, the hen showed no improvement. Still eating and drinking, but unable to use her legs to balance. I let her hang with her friends for a bit before dispatching her.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Sorry to hear about your hen.