Lame cockerel?

[Aki no niwatori]

I have a lame cockerel who is not showing any signs of sickness other than being lame and weightloss from not being able to reach the food properly. He eats well when he is offered food, same with hydration. Poop ranges from normal to tarr black. This has been going on for a while. I first suspected malnutrition due to bullying and isolated him where he could see them but they could not reach him there has been no improvement. Feather condition is fine other then the bottom of his body where he has been moving around with his wings and his comb. Comb is the usual color of red and there are no visible injuries. He was with 3 other growouts that are all doing perfectly fine. I currently have him inside for further observation in a sling so he can't move around too much and so he doesn't develop issues since he just sits in his poop on the ground.

His legs feel fine and he doesn't show any pain, he can move them and grip a little. I am hoping to give him a few days in the sling to get some food without struggling and then give him a little hydrotherapy to see if it is a strength problem. Right now he sits with his legs behind him.

 

[GodLovesU]

Mareks disease is a possibility

 

[MarlaMac]

What is his regular diet, including treats? What % protein does he get?

How old is he?

Have you tried vitamin therapy?

 

[Aki no niwatori]

Mareks disease is a possibility

For several weeks? And no other bird has symptoms?

 

[Barnette]

The black poop could indicate internal bleeding. The lameness could be synovitis, which is a joint issue. Is he lame in both feet or one? Also, what breed is he? If he's a broiler breed, he could be overweight causing joint issues, but if he's younger than 7 weeks we can rule that out.

 

[GlicksChicks]

I have a rooster who randomly went lame a while back, no mites or bumblefoot and he ate and behaved like normal. I kept him with his hens and he continued mating and he only had a limp. A week or so he got better and can walk perfectly again. Can your rooster walk at all om his leg or does he limp?

As for his poop, do you live in a hot location? While black can mean internal bleeding, it could also have to do with chickens who are too hot. I have had completely healthy chickens produce black poop on hot days, I am getting them fans now bexause it is getting in the 90s here.

 

[Aki no niwatori]

I don't think he was hot at the time but he did gorge himself on food and it has been hot outside. As for internal bleeding, it would have to be a very slow bleed. but I wouldn't rule out it being related to him laying on the ground and not being able to move properly therefore he effectively wasn't clearing out his system if that makes sense?

He is a Belefielder and as it stands he hasn't walked in a few days hence why I brought him back in for observation. He was like this before but not nearly as bad so I had put him back out but now he isn't even trying to stand. This problem started about 6 weeks ago I'd say.

 

[GlicksChicks]

I don't think he was hot at the time but he did gorge himself on food and it has been hot outside. As for internal bleeding, it would have to be a very slow bleed. but I wouldn't rule out it being related to him laying on the ground and not being able to move properly therefore he effectively wasn't clearing out his system if that makes sense?

He is a Belefielder and as it stands he hasn't walked in a few days hence why I brought him back in for observation. He was like this before but not nearly as bad so I had put him back out but now he isn't even trying to stand. This problem started about 6 weeks ago I'd say.

Have you given him any epsom salt baths to help soothe any joints?

He still could have sprained or hurt his leg in some way. Different chickens have different pain tolerences. My rooster had a pretty bad limp for around 4 months until a week or so ago. Pain from a sprain can vary from walking it off to not walking at all.

 

[Aki no niwatori]

Have you given him any epsom salt baths to help soothe any joints?

He still could have sprained or hurt his leg in some way. Different chickens have different pain tolerences. My rooster had a pretty bad limp for around 4 months until a week or so ago. Pain from a sprain can vary from walking it off to not walking at all.

I didnt add epsom salt yet but I did give him a warm soak. Im hoping being in the sling will allow him to heal if it is an injury without having to even try using the leg.

 

[GlicksChicks]

I didnt add epsom salt yet but I did give him a warm soak. Im hoping being in the sling will allow him to heal if it is an injury without having to even try using the leg.

Fingers crossed!