hen with unknown condition, unable to stand or walk

[Eggcessive]

I would agree that it is probably a reproductive disorder such as salpingitis, cancer could be the cause of her symptoms. Those are common causes of death in chickens. I would make her comfortable and consider putting her down if she seems to be suffering.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you for the reply, here is a video of one of her episodes

She is most comfortable lying down, but she will try to stand on occasion, which will trigger the episode. We allow her to rest most of the day with easy access to food and water, since we don't want to cause her any pain.

It's been hard to see her suffer so much, especially when she's one of our first babies. We're doing our best to keep her comfortable, and spoiling her with her favorite treats. Thank you for your response.

We've considered seeing if our regular vet for our other animals would be willing to perform euthanasia for her, but currently we haven't reached out—we're honestly concerned how much it could cost. If her condition continues to decline though, I think that might be our next step. None of us can stomach culling her ourselves.

Poor girl.

Thank you for the video and photos.

I would try to make her as comfortable as possible, then let her go when she declines further.

I would suspect something reproductive going on with her. Sadly, these things are common in laying hens.
If you lose her and want to find out more, a necropsy through your state lab will give you the most information or you can do an informal investigation like some of us do, looking at the internals to see if we find anything obvious.

With her age, 8 years is quite respectable and not all hens make it to that age. So, you have done well taking care of her, she's had a long happy life. I can tell you care deeply for her and it's hard to lose them, you do become attached for sure.

If you do decide to put her down, hopefully you can find a vet willing to help, if not, let us know and we can point you to a few methods. I put my own girls (and boys) down, they know me and I care for them, I can't stand the thought of a stranger touching them in their last moments.

 

[Themellowyellows]

Poor girl.

Thank you for the video and photos.

I would try to make her as comfortable as possible, then let her go when she declines further.

I would suspect something reproductive going on with her. Sadly, these things are common in laying hens.
If you lose her and want to find out more, a necropsy through your state lab will give you the most information or you can do an informal investigation like some of us do, looking at the internals to see if we find anything obvious.

With her age, 8 years is quite respectable and not all hens make it to that age. So, you have done well taking care of her, she's had a long happy life. I can tell you care deeply for her and it's hard to lose them, you do become attached for sure.

If you do decide to put her down, hopefully you can find a vet willing to help, if not, let us know and we can point you to a few methods. I put my own girls (and boys) down, they know me and I care for them, I can't stand the thought of a stranger touching them in their last moments.

Aw, I completely agree, curious, do you cull your birds or euthanize? How?

 

[MA0323]

Poor girl.

Thank you for the video and photos.

I would try to make her as comfortable as possible, then let her go when she declines further.

I would suspect something reproductive going on with her. Sadly, these things are common in laying hens.
If you lose her and want to find out more, a necropsy through your state lab will give you the most information or you can do an informal investigation like some of us do, looking at the internals to see if we find anything obvious.

With her age, 8 years is quite respectable and not all hens make it to that age. So, you have done well taking care of her, she's had a long happy life. I can tell you care deeply for her and it's hard to lose them, you do become attached for sure.

If you do decide to put her down, hopefully you can find a vet willing to help, if not, let us know and we can point you to a few methods. I put my own girls (and boys) down, they know me and I care for them, I can't stand the thought of a stranger touching them in their last moments.

Thank you, I try and remember she had 8 years of a lot of love with us.

I would love to be pointed to a few methods. I'm not sure any of us in the family could stomach putting her down ourselves, but if she begins to suffer and we can't find another avenue, I think the option being there is better than no option at all.

 

[Eggcessive]

If a vet is available, they can usually euthanize them. Many use the broomstick method of cervical dislocation, while some place the chicken upside down in a cone or hang from a tree by the legs tied together, and then cut the jugular veins on each side of the neck. They relax in that position, and are dead in about a minute from blood loss. Some use garden loppers to remove the head. Others use a pistol. The best method is what you feel comfortable using and the quickest method. Many hunters if you know any would feel comfortable with putting down a suffering chicken.

 

[Poultrypro1]

I think it’s cancer and I feel so sorry but I think you should take her to an emergency vet and say it’s an absolute emergency and maybe they could help. But I think her pooping is fine.

 

[Themellowyellows]

If a vet is available, they can usually euthanize them. Many use the broomstick method of cervical dislocation, while some place the chicken upside down in a cone or hang from a tree by the legs tied together, and then cut the jugular veins on each side of the neck. They relax in that position, and are dead in about a minute from blood loss. Some use garden loppers to remove the head. Others use a pistol. The best method is what you feel comfortable using and the quickest method. Many hunters if you know any would feel comfortable with putting down a suffering chicken.

Oof that sounds harsh, whats the broomstick method?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you, I try and remember she had 8 years of a lot of love with us.

I would love to be pointed to a few methods. I'm not sure any of us in the family could stomach putting her down ourselves, but if she begins to suffer and we can't find another avenue, I think the option being there is better than no option at all.

If a vet is available, they can usually euthanize them. Many use the broomstick method of cervical dislocation, while some place the chicken upside down in a cone or hang from a tree by the legs tied together, and then cut the jugular veins on each side of the neck. They relax in that position, and are dead in about a minute from blood loss. Some use garden loppers to remove the head. Others use a pistol. The best method is what you feel comfortable using and the quickest method. Many hunters if you know any would feel comfortable with putting down a suffering chicken.

@Eggcessive has given you the most common methods.
If you are unable to do it yourself and can't find a vet, ask a friend or neighbor if they can help.

 

[MA0323]

Thank you all very much for all the advice, information and kind words. I'll relay it all to my family so we can choose our next steps for her. In the mean time, we'll take care of her as best as we can.

 

[Themellowyellows]

Thank you all very much for all the advice, information and kind words. I'll relay it all to my family so we can choose our next steps for her. In the mean time, we'll take care of her as best as we can.

Of course, she will be very happy in heaven.


I lost my hen, I looked/watched over her mostly until her last second. I like to think now that she is watching over me, then one day, I can go back to watching over not only her but my whole flock.. I still go up to her grave and talk to her, and feel she can perhaps hear me. I am sure you will find your own coping methods... Surely she knows you love her.