Hen Can't Hop Into Coop or Climb Steps

[GeneticFreak]

Hi All, I have a hen who is six years old. Coming out of last winter, I noticed she would no longer (couldn't) hop into the coop. I attributed it to "old age". As a result, I built stairs, and she has used them up until a couple of days ago. Now, she can't climb the stairs. If I pick her up and put her on the stairs to see if she will grab hold, she simply falls off. Also, worth noting is that since last winter, she doesn't walk around much but rather moves infrequently and rests very often. She eats, gets her treats, drinks, poops, and when she does walk, seems fine. I am looking for a vet in my area who will examine a chicken, but in the meantime, any ideas. Thanks as always!

 

[HollowOfWisps]

How steep are the stairs? Steep stairs are difficult for older birds to climb just like steep stairs are difficult for elderly individuals.

 

[GeneticFreak]

How steep are the stairs? Steep stairs are difficult for older birds to climb just like steep stairs are difficult for elderly individuals.

Hi, thanks for the response. The stairs aren't really that steep. Long and low. Just as an FYI, she won't hop over any of the "obstacles" that I keep in the run to break things up, like a piece of 4 X 4. Sleeps on the floor in the coop instead of hopping onto the roost which isn't high off the ground. Also, forgot to mention that she comes down the stairs. Seems like she has an issue with getting "up and over" things.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Hi, thanks for the response. The stairs aren't really that steep. Long and low. Just as an FYI, she won't hop over any of the "obstacles" that I keep in the run to break things up, like a piece of 4 X 4. Sleeps on the floor in the coop instead of hopping onto the roost which isn't high off the ground. Also, forgot to mention that she comes down the stairs. Seems like she has an issue with getting "up and over" things.

Sounds like arthritis then.

 

[GeneticFreak]

Sounds like arthritis then.

Thank you!