Hen can't stand.

[jobishop]

I was just thinking today that I needed to make something like a Johnny Jumper like they have for babies. My 4 year old hen got weaker and weaker, until she finally couldn't walk. Then her legs splayed out underneath and behind her. She never quit eating and drinking. She did drool a lot in the beginning and had runny droppings, but that seems to be ok now. I would like to thank eggsighted4life for posting pics of slings. I can tell the sling is already helping! She has her left foot down and seems to be standing on it some and is moving her right foot some as well. Thanks so much! Just wish I knew what is wrong with her. I cleaned out and disinfected the house and pen, but I'm scared to put her back even if she gets well. I know its not good to keep a chicken inside and my husband is being a good sport, so not sure what I'm going to do.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sometimes when we have a sick chicken, we use a wire dog crate to separate them with food and water but leave them in the coop if there is enough room, so they don’t freak out and so they have company. In the previous thread, we asked if your hen was vaccinated for Mareks disease. Also we asked if you had added any new chickens to your flock in the last few months. Mareks is something that usually affects young chickens in their first year, but it could affect an older chicken if they are exposed by a carrier. Other things, such as a back injury, or something that puts pressure on the sciatic nerves can cause lameness. Such things as egg binding, internal laying, or infection can do that. @EggSighted4Life also posted in the other thread and may want to chime in.

 

[jobishop]

I have not vaccinated for Marek's disease and I added chickens about 4 months ago that I had bought as 1 day old chicks and raised until they were big enough to go into the chicken pen. I don't think we even have the Marek's vaccine were I am. I did talk to my vet but he didn't have anything to give her. I gave her electrolyte water and that's the only extra thing I did. She never stopped eating and drinking until today and sadly she died an hour ago. My other 13 hens and 1 rooster look great. They're all laying. We've had so much rain that no telling what is in the ground now. Thanks for your concern.

 

[Eggcessive]

Oh no, I am sorry that you lost her today. I would try to get a necropsy on her body by the state poultry vet to look for whatever she had. Keep her body cool and in double plastic bags in a cooler with ice or refrigerator. You can contact the state vet in the morning, and if you choose, take her or send her to the lab. Prices vary in each state. Are you in the US?Here is a list of the vets in your state:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

 

[Eggcessive]

Many do not vaccinate for Mareks. While Mareks might be one possibility, an infection or reproductive disorder could put pressure on the leg nerves. It would be good to rule it out for piece of mind. But if you would rather not, that is fine. Here are some articles to read about Mareks:
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/ext...Preventing Mareks Disease in Small Flocks.pdf
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/