Lame Chicken

[LandonA]

We have a 10 month old Hen that has gone lame. She was fine yesterday morning, but when we went out for the evening feeding she was not able to stand up, and the other hens were pecking at her. We have brought her in the house and put her in a dog crate she is eating well and drinking, but still can not stand. Any idea what is wrong and how to fix it?? I'm allergic to birds and would love to have her out of the house asap!

Thanks for any and all help!
Landon

 

[Eggcessive]

Examine her legs, and see if she can move both of them. Look for scabs on the footpad, swelling or bruising of the legs or joints. Do you toes curl when you touch her foot pads? Can you try to stand her up and see what she does?

Injuries are the most common cause of lameness, but a vitamin or mineral deficiency could also be a cause. Mareks disease should also be mentioned, since that may cause weakness in one or both legs, wings, or the neck.