Lame chicken possible leg injures with pics

[July the Caesar]

My chicken July, has some kind of leg feet problem that I just can't figure out. I have dealt with leg injures with chickens and ducks. The problems usually take care of its self. I found July (almost a year) in February in the nesting area instead of the night time perch. I knew something wrong when she couldn't jump up to stoop. When she went into the run she would go into a corner and lay there. Some of the other chickens started picking on her so I moved her into smaller coop inside the large run so they can see each other. I even tried putting the ones she grew up with in with her for warmth. But they didn't want to be in the little coop. So she has been alone for about 3 weeks now with the same issues. She can't stand very long and proceeds to lay down. I figured in time she would be better. I brought her into

our sunroom so I could watch over her. She eats and drinks fine. She hobbles over to it. She seems healthy otherwise. Took her temp at 104.9 f which is normal. I give her baths because the feces is sticking to vent and feathers. She is a great patient. She loves the attention. Checked for broken bones and stickers on feet. There were a few stickers but took those out. I am thinking upper legs or feet (bumblefeet) or strained leg. Not sure on bumblefoot yet. But there are no blackened sores. Been giving her PT on legs. So what's wrong with her? Help!

 

[rebrascora]

Could you post some footage of her walking/hobbling as that may give us more of an idea where the problem lies? You would need to upload it to a hosting site like You Tube or Vimeo and then post a link to it here on this thread

 

[July the Caesar]

Could you post some footage of her walking/hobbling as that may give us more of an idea where the problem lies? You would need to upload it to a hosting site like You Tube or Vimeo and then post a link to it here on this thread

 

[July the Caesar]

Ok I made a video but its around 4 minutes long. In downloading it, its too long and it won't post. So is there a time limit for this website? Or is there another place I could upload a file? I would appreciate a response. Thank you.

 

[July the Caesar]

Ok, since I cannot post a video from Youtube here is the link:

 

[rebrascora]

Unfortunately that looks to be neurological, especially the way she crosses her legs and when you put her down, she stands on her own toes suggesting she has no feeling/coordination in them. My guess would be Marek's disease. Have you added any new birds to the flock in the past few months or had any others show lameness?
You might want to make a sling for her

You can cut another hole in the cloth under her vent for poop to drop through and clip little plastic yoghurt pot cups to the front of the box for food and water. Make it so that she can reach the bottom with her feet but the sling takes the weight and keeps her from soiling herself and give her spells out of the sling perhaps on some grass if you can when the sun is shining and scatter treats to encourage her to move towards it. It may look cruel to tempt them into moving/crawling but I have had birds that were completely nest bound with Marek's make progress over weeks and months of this sort of training and eventually go back to free ranging with the flock. Giving them a focus like a special treat (meal worms, scratch etc.) to move towards really helps even if they crawl using their wings to pull themselves. It also helps if they can see other birds eating nearby.... competition for food is a real stimulus.
A good Vitamin supplement to support her immune system and a probiotic or fermented feed to support her digestive tract may also help. If she loses interest in food, then I usually find that is the point to consider euthanizing.
Good luck with her.

 

[July the Caesar]

Unfortunately that looks to be neurological, especially the way she crosses her legs and when you put her down, she stands on her own toes suggesting she has no feeling/coordination in them. My guess would be Marek's disease. Have you added any new birds to the flock in the past few months or had any others show lameness?
You might want to make a sling for her
View attachment 1221218
You can cut another hole in the cloth under her vent for poop to drop through and clip little plastic yoghurt pot cups to the front of the box for food and water. Make it so that she can reach the bottom with her feet but the sling takes the weight and keeps her from soiling herself and give her spells out of the sling perhaps on some grass if you can when the sun is shining and scatter treats to encourage her to move towards it. It may look cruel to tempt them into moving/crawling but I have had birds that were completely nest bound with Marek's make progress over weeks and months of this sort of training and eventually go back to free ranging with the flock. Giving them a focus like a special treat (meal worms, scratch etc.) to move towards really helps even if they crawl using their wings to pull themselves. It also helps if they can see other birds eating nearby.... competition for food is a real stimulus.
A good Vitamin supplement to support her immune system and a probiotic or fermented feed to support her digestive tract may also help. If she loses interest in food, then I usually find that is the point to consider euthanizing.
Good luck with her.

Oh my. Ok well I knew something is wrong. I don't want to believe it. But I have been working with her. I am having a problem about the sling. Not sure I understand how to make it by0 picture shown. Sounds like a good idea though. Would like more info on this. As far as probiotics and tormented feed. I am not sure where to get or what? There are so many products. If you can give me a better idea on what and brand that is good? She is doing well other than walking. She is getting spoiled now with daily baths and wrapped up in warm towel. Lol....just want to know a little more. I do thank you for your help and suggestions.

 

[July the Caesar]

Oh my. Ok well I knew something is wrong. I don't want to believe it. But I have been working with her. I am having a problem about the sling. Not sure I understand how to make it by0 picture shown. Sounds like a good idea though. Would like more info on this. As far as probiotics and tormented feed. I am not sure where to get or what? There are so many products. If you can give me a better idea on what and brand that is good? She is doing well other than walking. She is getting spoiled now with daily baths and wrapped up in warm towel. Lol....just want to know a little more. I do thank you for your help and suggestions.

 

[July the Caesar]

Also no new chickens for about 9 months. No other chickens have experienced this in my flock.

 

[rebrascora]

I thought the sling/hammock was reasonably obvious from the photo but clearly not. It is made from a plastic box and a broad strip of material..... like an old t-shirt or an old tea towel which is clipped to the sides of the box with stationary clips. The holes are for the chicken's legs to go though so that it's weight is supported by the material but it's feet can still just touch the bottom of the box. If you cut a third hole in the fabric where the chicken's vent is located, then the bird's poop will drop through and you can put a tray of shavings below to catch it. The benefit is that the bird is supported in an upright position and not lying in it's own waste. You can then clip something like empty yoghurt pots to the front of the box and put food and water in them and adjust the position of the fabric so that the chicken can reach them. If you do a search for chicken slings you will find a number of images of both professional looking and basic DIY examples like this. I hope that helps you understand, but if not, feel free to ask again or perhaps someone else will chip in with a better description or photo.

I cannot advise you on brands of probiotics because I do not know where in the world you are.... it helps if you include this information on your profile page so that we can see at a glance and offer appropriate advice..... nearest town or city and state/country is enough. I'm in the UK as you will see by looking to the left of this post, and brands here will be different to those in The States or Australia etc.

I ferment feed to provide probiotics. Basically place some dry feed in a bucket and cover with water. Stir, cover loosely and leave to stand at room temp. If you add a dash of Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother to bucket it will help things to start working but it's not essential. Check and add more water once it has had the chance to absorb what you first put in.... an hour of so later. You are aiming for a dropping consistency like porridge, so add more feed or water as necessary. Stir once or twice a day and by the second or third day you will find it starting to develop a bubbly texture and is ready to feed. Use 2/3 ro feed the chickens and add more dry food and water to the remainder, stir and loosely cover and it should be ready for the next day. It is that easy! You will smell when the natural yeasts are working. Again, if you do some research, there are threads here on BYC all about it.

Best wishes

Barbara