Living with a paralyzed chicken

[TaylormadeClucks]

One of our birds had coccidia, survived but stopped using one leg. It just stays limp and sometimes she’ll stand on it with her other foot. Our vet recommended euthanasia if paralysis continues but she seems healthy otherwise and is working hard to keep eating and move around. We don’t want to reintroduce her in case it’s Marek’s and are fine with the extra care but I’m having trouble finding any assistance on caring for a bird with partial paralysis that didn’t die.

Anyone have any tips? So far the biggest struggles seem to be not being able to reach her tail to preen and finding a comfortable sleeping position.

 

[Myrshine]

I’d try giving her vitamins for a while- it may help

 

[TaylormadeClucks]

Thanks! Any vitamins in particular? She’s on a liquid supplement that contains vitamins b, d and electrolytes.

 

[Duckbreeder2020]

Thanks! Any vitamins in particular? She’s on a liquid supplement that contains vitamins b, d and electrolytes.

Keep us updated on her! More pics plz?

 

[TaylormadeClucks]

My husband built her a little chair to help her stand. We hang outside a couple hours a day but she’s mostly living in the guest bath to stay separate from our dogs and other birds.

Today she actually flew out of the chair and hobbled around a few feet from it. Her good leg is getting stronger but no sign of being able to use or feel the other leg. Sometimes she stands on her own foot and falls over.

 

[TaylormadeClucks]

Marion is starting to stand for longer periods of time on her own. I’m seeing a little more movement in the leg she hasn’t been using as well. We solved her overheating at night by tucking her in with a frozen rice eye pillow.

 

[Cinnamon11]

She is adorable! It’s awesome how you are taking such good care of her.

 

[TaylormadeClucks]

She’s standing taller today! Still not putting weight on the other leg but she’s doing well. Marion isn’t eating much food other than treats. Currently on mealworms, blueberries and sorghum. Her crop does feel full and she’s getting supplements in her water. Any ideas if she would be missing anything in her diet I should encourage?

 

[Cinnamon11]

You could try crumble feed it’s smaller and easier to eat than pellets!

 

[TaylormadeClucks]

Thanks but it is actually crumble that she is ignoring. I’m thinking about trying a different brand or type.