Hen is stumbling, falling, with droopy wing

[ErnieBerley]

Hello, I'm new here, so apologies if I miss anything out.

One of my hens is struggling. Last Thursday, I noticed her wobbling a lot, as if her legs were weak. Gave her a thorough inspection, found no wounds or anything. On Saturday the vet saw her, and also found no obvious cause.

(This is in the UK, by the way, and not many vets deal with chickens - this one was honest upfront, basically saying "We can have a look, but if it's something complicated there's not much we can do". All the other vet surgeries near this town are the same. Thus I'm turning to you experienced people at BYC.)

Since yesterday she keeps trying to jump up on things, but totally fails - just flaps, falls forwards and ends up sprawled on the floor. She staggers from side to side with every step, as if her brain can't control both legs at once. Can't stand up for long without sinking down. Also, one of her wings is dragging along the ground, between her legs. She flaps the other wing, but this one doesn't move at all. I didn't think to take a picture yet, but here's a rough drawing.

View attachment 1986709
https://ibb.co/42tVCCb
(if the image upload didn't work, there's a link)

Last night, and again tonight, I found her on the shed floor, unable to climb on the perch. I tried 6 times to help her, but she can't seem to balance or grip it with her feet, and falls off. So she spent the night indoors, and right now is chillin' out on my lap for another night in my room.

Details:

- she's 8 months old, I've raised her from a chick. Her sister isn't having any of these problems, nor are any other hens.

- breed unknown, not sure if vaccinated for anything; the breeders just wanted rid of her.

- wormed 2 months ago with Flubenvet.

- looks normal, nice and heavy. No missing feathers, bad smells, nasal discharge or breathing problems. Eating, drinking and pooping normally.

- the wing doesn't seem to hurt. I keep correcting it, it flops back down. It's like she has no feeling in it.

So, anyone have an idea what the problem could be?
Last night I noticed a red mite crawling on her, so today we've disinfected the whole shed and put down some fancy eucalyptus bedding that's supposed to deter them. It's said that red mites can cause anemia, but a paralysed wing and loss of co-ordination...?

I'll probably keep letting her out to forage during the day (the others aren't picking on her), but keep her indoors overnight, until this is sorted. Feeding her lots of mash, porridge and other treats. What else to do?

hi - my rooster recently had similar situation - one day became wobbly, couldn't stand and had to use his wings to propel himself around. He ate and drank fine (with some help as he couldn't get to the waterer by himself). I had to help him into the coop and made sure he drank/ate. I let this go on for 6 days - his spirit started to wane. The vet said he has the virus Marek's - but I think any paralysis that is acute vets tend to go "mareks"......... anyway, I had to have the vet euthanize him yesterday (12/23) I couldn't watch him struggle to walk anymore.

 

[chickens really]

Mereks is so common though and easily transferred..

 

[GwynMil]

chickens really and ErnieBerley - aww, I'm so sorry for your losses.

Today, my girl is no longer dragging her wing around. She doesn't move it, but it stays folded along her side. She also manages to lean down and peck at seed without falling forward. Still very worried though.

I'm trying to find some supplements like Eggcessive mentioned.

Edit: just realised the Nettex mineral powder, that they already get in their mash, contains vitamin B. Nonetheless, I'll order some poultry drink too. It never hurts to have more options available.

 

[chickens really]

chickens really and ErnieBerley - aww, I'm so sorry for your losses.

Today, my girl is no longer dragging her wing around. She doesn't move it, but it stays folded along her side. She also manages to lean down and peck at seed without falling forward. Still very worried though.

I'm trying to find some supplements like Eggcessive mentioned.

Well my Birds would rally and still eat and drink. I gave antibiotics to the one for secondary infection and she was better but I think Mereks killed her in the end..

 

[ErnieBerley]

Well my Birds would rally and still eat and drink. I gave antibiotics to the one for secondary infection and she was better but I think Mereks killed her in the end..

Yes I tried penicillin and electrolyte solution and vitamins...... Marek's virus is devastating, nothing will help if that's what you have in the flock.

 

[GwynMil]

I'm not allowed to keep this hen indoors any more, so she's back with the others. If it is Marek's, wouldn't it already have spread to them all by now? Since it takes a while to show symptoms.

Anyway, no changes for the last couple of days. If she stops eating or her legs deteriorate further, then I'll take her to the vet and have her put to sleep. But she's still trying hard to keep up and do all the normal things: foraging, digging, dust-bathing, preening.

I'm hoping so hard that she pulls through. She and her sister are lovely, I really want to see how big that crest will get, and wonder when they'll start laying.

 

[GwynMil]

Oh my. Just went to check for the night, and rather than being on the ground, she's roosting in her usual spot at the far end. Well, with one leg standing on the tray beneath the branch, but still. It took considerable jumping and climbing to get up there. Seems like an improvement.

 

[Eggcessive]

Well, it sure sounds like she is spunky, and hopefully, she was injured in some way. If Mareks is the issue, all of the chickens were already exposed, and she will probably eventually show more signs. Let’s hope not, and I would continue vitamins (including B2 riboflavin) and let us know how she is doing.

 

[DuckYouMan]

There a few things that can make a wing or leg hang. It can be merricks, another disease or an injury. Unfortunately, even if its just an injury, it can cause the same symptoms as merricks because the chicken will start to shut down from being in pain making it look much the same. A hock joint injury can take over a month to heal and many chicken simply give up. Best bet is to isolate, give vitamins and antibiotics and plenty of rest. If it's merricks then nothing is going to help. The best thing is to know that you did your best.

 

[ErnieBerley]

Marek's is fast...you'll know in a day or so....unfortunately