Hen can't stand up today!

[jhmoore]

Is there hope for recovery after this type of injury?

 

[cgmccary]

I had a problem with my 9.5lb Rooster breeding pullets that were too young. He broke a 14 week old pullets wing once. A good rooster, I always thought, knows the difference between a clucking hen and a pullet-no-where-near-to laying, but I learned differently and separated him until they were laying first.

Also, believe it or not, but I have seen my big Rooster on top of my Bantam hen (that weighs maybe 1 lb)-- actually, I couldn't see the little hen as she was pressed into the ground and screaming like she was dying--I went over and knocked him off of her-- fortunately she was alright. Usually she is fast enough to stay clear of him but I saw her stooping for him one time!-- & I ran over to prevent it from happening.

Injury happens sometimes and (generally) certain breeds are worse than others. Broiler Roosters are the worst and it is not uncommon for them to hurt or kill the hens. Egg laying breed roosters tend to be better, gentler with hens. I guess Dual purpose breeds are somewhere in the middle.

 

[fuzzer]

I'm having a similar problem with my alpha hen this morning. I dont think the issue is a roo since we dont have one.

worried...
Paul

 

[henmommy]

I had this problem with two of my hens last spring on two separate occasions. I can only tell you that I separated them, gave TLC, and put a mirror near them so they didn't think they were alone. I excercised their legs several times a day. After about two, they were standing on their own. I can also teoo you thst when I put the last one back into the flock she was deathly afraid of he roo. Whenever I would come into the area, she would hide by my legs. What you are saying much sense. I never thought about. My hens were young and my young was a bit aggressive. Good luck!

 

[jhmoore]

Well, today my hen has been separated and alone all day inside in a dog crate. she is just laying still, but is clucking and cooing when I come in to check on her. She is eating her regular feed, and the yogurt I provided her, plus water, if I place all of them close to her. She has gone to the bathroom, which looks normal. She mostly lays still, but slightly on her side. As she ate, she did very quickly sit upright and adjust her feet. So, I'm hoping that you are right, and with TLC and quiet time that she'll become strong and survive. We'll see...

 

[henmommy]

That's exactly what mine did. Ate, drank (w/assistance), pooped and coo'd. Every so often she would flop herself to a new position. Both of mine were BO's and healthy today!

 

[coolchickens]

Well, so far I'm happy to say my hen looks better also. She is cooing and talking when I come in, eating good, drinking (if I put it in front of her) and her poo looks good. I have been raising her up a little by placing my hand under her gently and lifting so she has to use the leg a little. Yesterday, nothing, she would fall over to the side and not try. Today, she actually stood for a min. or so and had wgt on it, also sitting up straight now but still does not like to try walking. I think she is going to recover. No poping noise when I rotate the leg and she can grip with her toes if I place a finger under them and move the foot. I gave her a little cat food pellets for added protein today also. Hopefully, tomorrow she will be standing on her own. Sure sounds like there are a few of us with the same problem. Today I heard a hen squawking loud so ran out to check and that darn roo. had ahold of her head and was "riding" her as she ran around the yard screaming!!! He was not accomplishing the act but looked more like he was riding a race horse! ha He is young and just learning to mate so may have to separate him throughout the day instead of free range all day with the girls.

 

[jhmoore]

It's so nice to know I'm not the only one going through this. I am so happy to hear that other hens have improved, and are doing so now. It gives me hope that mine will recover. I guess I'll just keep on the same path then. Hopefully there will be continued success! Keep those fingers crossed!

 

[jhmoore]

Don't know what to think about my hen. Today, it seems as though neither of her legs is working properly. Her appetite is definitely not hurting- she will gobble whatever I put in front of her. She ate an entire scrambled egg this morning, plus some yogurt with her crumbles mixed in. Her eyes are bright; she's pooping normally (actually looks huge); and she'll drink if I bring her the water. But, she just keeps laying there.

I did stand her up today to see if she'd attempt to use her legs. She barely dropped them down to stand on. nd she really didn't want to use them. She does continue to adjust her position in the crate, and is talking up a storm. Is there anything else you guys have experience with like this? I looked into Marek's, but all my chicks were vaccinated when I ordered them, and other symptoms don;t seem to add up.

How long should I look for improvement? Don't get me wrong, I have no intention of giving up on her yet. But, I also don't think it's fair to make her just lay there long term- not a great quality of life. I hope she gets stronger and continues to improve!

 

[lilchick]

As long as she is eating and drinking she has a fighting chance! I have been thru that before. Make sure you exercise her legs daily so they don't stiffen up. Also keep a folded towel or cushion of sorts under her crop so she is not laying face down.
Move her around and hold and enjoy having her as a pet. I feel it is quality not quantity so if I have one that is sick I try to give it extra attention and good quality of life to the end.
We would want that for ourselves wouldn't we? And if you cull you will always wonder if you could have saved her!
As long as she is not in pain and enjoys the attention she is trying to recoup. good luck....