Lame chicken, won't stand eating drinking and laying but seems lethargic

[thecornman]

Hi, 2 days ago I found our 10mth black rock hybrid hen, Texas sat in the corner of our run not moving. She can't stand or sit up right and just lies on her left side which she appears to have an issue with, particularly her left leg which she holds up if I support her weight to stand. I've inspected her feet and legs for injuries and both appear fine to the untrained eye. Both feet still grip when I bend her leg and she can move both legs. We've isolated her and made a makeshift sling and been feeding layers plus scrambled egg some lettuce and watering her. She had diaoreha first night but has settled and she laid this morning rbing. She's still closing her eyes a lot and can't sit up unaided. Don't know if it's a leg injury or something viral or poss vitamin deficiency. They all free range in the daytime and get layers mash and vegetables from the garden. Other 6 hens all seem fine. Not gone to the vets yet but she's doesn't seem to be improving much and I'm not sure it's all just stressing her out.

Any help would be much appreciated as at a loss what to do

 

[True Patriot]

I would start simple and begin vitamins. I use poultry cell, read the ingredients, not all contain B and other vitamins. I would also try some electrolytes to see if they help. Can you post pics of her and her poop. It may sound wierd but it's a diagnosis tool. You seem to be on the right track with treatment so far. There are diseases that can cause the symptoms you describe, but I'm not familiar with them. Until someone comes along with better information, continue keeping her comfortable.

 

[thecornman]

Thanks for your quick reply. Pleased to hear we seem on the right track. I've attached a video of her standing whilst supported by me and a photo showing her eyes are clear.

Have bought some nettex vit boost+ and also poultry nutri-drops. Will make up some homemade electrolytes too. I did see her stand by leaning against the cardboard box shes in but she soon topples forward when she loses balance. Will post photos of her droppings when she next goes as I'm afraid I've since cleaned them away as theyre quite foul smelling which I know isn't a great sign but they are less watery and runny than.the first night.

She does feel a bit underweight and her breastbone quite protruded. I know they say this shouldn't be the case in healthy birds but apart from my Plymouth rock and one of my greedy, older ex batts my other hens all seem to be on the thin side despite free ranging with lots of food and being wormed regularly with flubenvet which is in fact due again this month.

 

[thecornman]

Photo of her poop too!