My 4 year old English silkie wobbles when she shakes herself

[Kaveda]

Hello, over the last couple of weeks I have noticed that my beloved silkie hen has lost her balance when she goes to shake herself. She seems a bit ‘off’ or ‘out of it. Not so certain jumping down the steps etc.

I took her to the vets who were not very helpful as they weren’t avian vets. They said I would have to go to a specialist and it would cost hundreds to get blood tests done so I am reaching out here in the hope that I may get some advice as to what to do to help her.

The vet said she was a little under weight. I checked her crop this eve and it did have food in so I know she is eating. She has a good appetite and loves mealworms. She also did a poo in the vets.

I was wondering if she could have some deficiency as I feed a muesli type feed so she could be being picky…

I have noticed rats are getting into the run even though I have a rat proof feeder. I don’t know if that affects chickens in terms of disease?

I have one other USA silkie who has become much bigger and stronger and does tend to peck at her a lot, especially when she has been broody. Kizzy the poorly one is regularly broody and has laid the odd egg but not recently.

The other one Dolly,keeps guard of her and won’t let her off the nest when she is broody.

I am so worried about her as I had people telling me she had mereks disease and will die on a Facebook page.

The other chicken seems fine.

What can I do to try and support her?

 

[proudchickenmom]

Does she have any other concerning behaviors? Is she off balance at any other times? How severe is it? Is she just a little shaky or is she falling flat on her face?

If it's just her getting off balance when she shakes herself or goes down the stairs then I wouldn't worry. Chickens are pretty clumsy.

 

[CombNWattles]

Hello, Kaveda,

I’m sorry you are worried about your silkie.

How old is she?
Are she and Dolly the only ones in their flock?
How big is their coop and space?

It’s not great to have rats in the run. They could bring bugs.

Silkies have a thin spot on the top of their skulls because of their crests. This can make them prone to brain injuries, so keep an eye on the pecking.

However, it seems more likely that Kizzy is weak from being broody and not getting enough food. Being broody is hard enough on a hen’s body without being kept from the food.

Silkies can be prone to vitamin deficiency, and since you were already concerned about the feed not supplying everything, you might consider giving her some vitamins and seeing if that perks her up.

Would it be possible for you to separate the food into two feeders with something (ie. a water bucket/board) between? That way Dolly would have a harder time defending the food.

 

[Kaveda]

Does she have any other concerning behaviors? Is she off balance at any other times? How severe is it? Is she just a little shaky or is she falling flat on her face?

If it's just her getting off balance when she shakes herself or goes down the stairs then I wouldn't worry. Chickens are pretty clumsy.

Thank you so much for bringing some calm to me. She only looses balance when she has a little ruffle of her feathers. The rest of the time she seems happy scratching about the place and she is eating fine.

It’s only she seems more ‘ vacant’ than usual but it could be me over watching her now. She hasn’t shown any falling over signs up until this point which is why I’m concerned.

I will keep an eye on her.