Limping hen several days now not walking...

[EggSighted4Life]

I will keep an eye on her but put her back with the flock. I’m sure she’ll be happier there. Thanks for the info and i will report updates when they are available.

I haven’t checked to see if she’s egg bound. You mentioned that in the first response. Should I still investigate that avenue?

Is she passing any droppings? What do they look like? Can you get your eye on her vent.. is it like pulsating/pumping/ or swollen looking?

Egg binding is *usually* deadly within 48 hours due to the blockage caused.. Bit since you describe her as raising her bumm.. I would definitely still look into it.. An egg somewhere inside could be pressing the leg nerve or something.. an if it isn't blocking the vent. Usually egg bound hens are staying in the lay box.. and not lame like this. BUT some things can cause a multitude of issues to present in combination and therefor I wouldn't want to take any chances.. noting she may also just be on a break laying wise.. I've had several gals lay gang busters to start and take a short rest before returning to lay.

It doesn't sound like you have nutritional factors that would actually cause this sort of limping according to your description. BUT the supplements suggested MAY be very helpful and worth adding still.

Have you had the chance to feel for the heat or swelling that might indicate pain?

WAIT THE UPDATE LOOKS PROMISING!

Or at least rules out binding for now!

 

[Frankiegirl]

Her vent looks pink and healthy. Droppings are normal for her. I’m hoping that she is simply lame from a sore leg. Nothing swollen or outwardly noticeable.

This is all so new as these are my first hens so I’m freaked every time something doesn’t look normal.

I will go online and order the vitamin supplements you suggested. Is there a typical chicken multi-vitamin or specific brand you suggest?

Thanks so much for your information. It is much appreciated

 

[Shadrach]

I'm wondering about the straight back issue if you don't find an egg stuck which can also put pressure on the nerves governing the legs.
It seems possible that she may have a trapped nerve. If she's laying an egg and she got to the place she laid it on her own and the egg is normal, reproductive problems would seem less likely.
Have you tried massage? A good diagram of a chickens nervous system might be of help here but I can't find mine to post atm.

 

[Frankiegirl]

**UPDATE** - Butterscotch made it through the night...she slept in the coop but on the floor. That is where she was when I opened things up this morning. I carried her into the run and fed her some oats/feed/scrambled egg mixture to be sure she got her share.

Still isnt walking. Her legs do not splay...it is like she cant hold herself up for more than a few seconds and buckles under her weight. She is alert and eyes are clear.

I will of course keep a close eye on her today and any updates I will share for your interpretation. Thank you for your help.

Lastly, someone mentioned a vitamin supplement...if anyone has a favorite brand, please let me know.

Thanks All!

 

[Eggcessive]

Glad that she laid an egg. Was there any improvement in her lame leg after laying the egg? Occasionally a stuck egg can press agaist the sciatic nerve, causing temporary paralysis. The sciatic nerves can also be affected with tiny tumors in Mareks, which causes the leg paralysis that is seen in many cases. This is a post that I forgot to send yesterday.

Since she is still not standing, I would separate her inside a dog crate so that she is not picked on. Chickens sometimes will do that when one becomes lame or is not as ting normal. She will need to be fed several times a day. I have found using a cereal bowl held up to the beak helps, and including some very wet chick feed, bits of scrambled egg, and you can change up with canned cat food, liver, or tuna. One of my hens lived in a basket for 5 weeks eating that and refusing water, but she made a full recovery.

 

[Frankiegirl]

Glad that she laid an egg. Was there any improvement in her lame leg after laying the egg? Occasionally a stuck egg can press agaist the sciatic nerve, causing temporary paralysis. The sciatic nerves can also be affected with tiny tumors in Mareks, which causes the leg paralysis that is seen in many cases. This is a post that I forgot to send yesterday.

Since she is still not standing, I would separate her inside a dog crate so that she is not picked on. Chickens sometimes will do that when one becomes lame or is not as ting normal. She will need to be fed several times a day. I have found using a cereal bowl held up to the beak helps, and including some very wet chick feed, bits of scrambled egg, and you can change up with canned cat food, liver, or tuna. One of my hens lived in a basket for 5 weeks eating that and refusing water, but she made a full recovery.

Thank you for all of the information. I will continue to monitor her and update with any changes. I dont know what I would do without BYC!!! You are all so helpful...

 

[aart]

I will go online and order the vitamin supplements you suggested. Is there a typical chicken multi-vitamin or specific brand you suggest?

I use Savachick electrolytes/vitamins,
link and small portion calculator here:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/aarts-hot-weather-spiel.75893/
...or Poultry Cell by Rooster Booster.
@Eggcessive will have other options.

 

[Frankiegirl]

**Update** looks like butterscotch is making some good progress today. She scampered down the ramp this morning and had a good appetite. She did lay down for a chunk of the day but she was definitely getting balance back and walking around.
Thanks for the information and insight.

 

[Eggcessive]

So glad that she seemed to improve some today. Let us know how she gets along.

 

[chickflick]

I had a hen that was very similar to what yours is going through. She was an EE. Started with a limp. Thought, "oh no, Mareks" She got over it. Then a few weeks later was limping again. Then found her unable to walk, laying on her side. Her toes curled. She never was able to walk again. Well, she walked on her haunches. Had her in her own coop in our huge heated garage. Had a huge bin for her to take a dust bath in. Her legs moved great. I would put her in it every day and she would have such fun bathing. During the warmer days, she had a pen outside under the shade of a tree. The other hens would lay around it, so she would have the company of her friends. When we moved here, she was in the basement. Still went outside. She lived happily for a few years like that. A vet from MSU came to one of our Chickenstock picnic. He said it wasn't Marek's. But I do forget what he did say it was. Curled toe something. Think you can google it. It's up to you what you how you want to handle her outcome. Mia was quite happy and healthy. She was a pet, so I chose to treat he so.
Good luck with your girl.