Is this normal?

[Chickem707]

One of my chicks was sat on my lap, she has lost use of her legs. I read somewhere that lightly massaging the muscle in it would stimulate blood flow and maybe help. As soon as i did she started scratching my leg with her beak, like she was itching me back. I know when horses do this it means they like it, but was she in pain? Never seen this before

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

My guess would be Mareks, how old is it?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

If it's Marek's... it is a tumor pressing on a nerve that causes the paralysis. Blood flow is NOT the issue... or the leg would turn necrotic, rot, and fall off.

 

[Chickem707]

Probably mareks, but none of my others show symptoms and she appears to try to walk again the last week. She’s 2 months. But that’s not the issue, I’m wondering why she’s scratching me with her beak?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Probably mareks, but none of my others show symptoms and she appears to try to walk again the last week. She’s 2 months. But that’s not the issue, I’m wondering why she’s scratching me with her beak?

Unfortunately only your chicken knows for sure.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Probably mareks, but none of my others show symptoms and she appears to try to walk again the last week. She’s 2 months. But that’s not the issue, I’m wondering why she’s scratching me with her beak?

No way to tell... but she was probably enjoying the interaction.