Hen's feet seem paralysed, trouble breathing

[urbanjunglechick]

I found our 3 year old red rock lying at the entrance to her coop this morning, having trouble breathing and not moving. I picked her up and see her toes are curled and looks like she can't move her feet. She hasn't been laying for a few weeks - I thought it was related to her feed so have been focussing on that. Her comb has been small and pale the whole time she hasn't been laying. There are 3 other hens in the coop with her, and I suspect one other bird is not laying either. We feed 16% organic layer mash, the bedding is shredded newspaper, cleaned twice per week.

Any suggestions?? I fear she won't make it through the day...

 

[urbanjunglechick]

so I managed to get her to drink a little water, separated her from the others, and now she is up again! still seems weak, and suggestions are still welcome!

 

[Habibs Hens]

it could be mareks deisese

seperate her so it dont spread

and as far as i know not much you can do in recovery

may even be better to say bye and end teh suffering

 

[urbanjunglechick]

I spoke to someone at the local small flock office, who said it didn't sound like anything infections, and was likely not paralysis given that she got up again. Their best guess was that it was a temporary injury or something chronic, although it hasn't happened again - she seems fine now.

At least I hope this helps someone else....