How to know if my crippled chicken is eating enough?

[carolthom]

We have a hen who injured her leg and is unable to walk. She has access to her feed around the clock and we also feed her 2 eggs that have been cooked in olive oil along with as many worms as she'll eat each day. I don't think she eats much of her feed since her crop is almost empty each time we come in to feed her, and I'm worried that she'll starve if she's not getting enough to eat. She seems in good spirits every time we come in to see her, and acts normal aside from her not being able to walk. Is she getting enough with what she's being fed, or do we need to push her to eat more feed?

 

[SunkenRoadFarms]

Do you know why she is not walking? I'd first start there to ultimately determine what quality of life she has.

 

[carolthom]

I believe she hurt it a couple of weeks ago while running from our rooster, who has since left our flock. It seems to be in the hip area, but I've checked it for breaks and I can't find one. When she walks, her upper leg up to her hip comes pretty far back behind her, almost like it's dislocated. I've checked for dislocation and her joint feels just like her good one. She was foraging until about a week ago, she finally gave it up and has been in the coop ever since. When she was walking, she would throw her leg straight out in front of her to take a step. Not really sure what's wrong with her, I'm just making sure she stays off of it and stays fed.

 

[YborChix]

I am going through the exact same thing right now with a silkie pullet. I've checked her over a million times to find something that did not feel right or something that would cause a pain reaction and nothing. I worried about something like Marek's but she does not have any of the other symptoms.

Two things that I highly recommend is unsweetened applesauce with her crumbles sprinkled on it and a daily hard boiled egg. If she turns her nose up at either of those, all you need is to stick the end of her beak into it once! I'm also using Vitamins & Electrolytes Plus by Agri-Labs. 1/4 teaspoon in a gallon of water. Make fresh batch each day.

I read that vitamin E supplements can be very useful but only if it also has selenium. I couldn't find any so I went with the agri-labs from feed store. ($3.00) She has definitely perked up. Still not standing but obviously feeling better. She is inside in a dog carrier. I only put the lid on at night and keep her away from AC vents. I found the best way to keep her upright and comfortable is by using a towel to make a bowl shape around her. With the towel, the poo seems to miss her butt feathers better....I cut two yougurt cups down for short food and water dishes and keep them in reach at all times. The applesauce and sprinkle, I've been spoon feeding.

This is little Phoebe getting egg yolk everywhere.

 

[carolthom]

Thanks for responding, I will add applesauce and vitamins to her daily mix. She doesn't have Marek's, I know for sure. It is a mystery, but I'm not giving up on her if she doesn't give up.