Layer with neuro signs

[marlice]

One of my 5 backyard layers (likely 3-4 yrs old) is showing neurologic signs: she is moving forward but then starts going sideways.
She also sits low on her legs, meaning she is not walking upright but her hocks are lowered down.
She also has lost her feathers on her back since about a week or two. I thought she was just molting.
She has never been sick, nor have the others.
She looks skinny, but is eating normally it seems.
They are on organic layer mix with lots of kitchen scraps.
Anyone any ideas?

 

[BantamLover21]

Have you ever wormed your hens? While worms might have nothing to do with the neurological signs, they could be making her weak and thin. The feather loss may be because of a diet deficiency (don't go overboard on the table scraps), or she could certainly just be molting. Molting can cause chickens to not feel right, and walk odd; I've had a bird like that before. So maybe that is what is making your hen act strange.

Other possibilities could be a vitamin deficiency, an ear infection, injury to the head, or some sort of poisoning. I'd look at her head for any swelling, and treat with antibiotics if necessary. An injury may go away on its own. In the case of a vitamin problem, try giving her water with poultry vitamins in it, or get some polyvisol infant vitamins (without iron) and give her 1-3 drops per day for a while.

Sorry I can't help more, good luck with your hen!

 

[casportpony]

One of my 5 backyard layers (likely 3-4 yrs old) is showing neurologic signs: she is moving forward but then starts going sideways.
She also sits low on her legs, meaning she is not walking upright but her hocks are lowered down.
She also has lost her feathers on her back since about a week or two. I thought she was just molting.
She has never been sick, nor have the others.
She looks skinny, but is eating normally it seems.
They are on organic layer mix with lots of kitchen scraps.
Anyone any ideas?

Welcome to BYC!

Is she vaccinated for Marek's?

-Kathy