My Chook has a bad leg!!

[Eggcessive]

Do you have any calcium tablets or Tums at home? Calcium deficiency or dehydration can be a cause of egg binding. There also could be a large egg or lash egg blocking the vent. There is a possibility of the leg issues being related, but not always. If you do not have calcium, take a whole egg, cooked or raw with the shell on, and grind finely in the food processor or blender, and feed that to her. The egg shell has calcium in it. A tsp of plain yogurt can be given mixed in as well.

 

[FinneFarm]

Hi all! Took her to a vet and I was told it’s either Mareks or heavy metal poisoning. I got her the lead antidote and a B injection. Hoping it’s one of the latter. I’ll find out in a couple days. Is there any come back from Mareks at this stage?? I’ve read post that say a paralysed hen came back after nursing??
I would prefer her to be with her flock when she goes and not under fluro lights.

 

[Sultan's girls]

Aw sorry, i posted from work. Her she is. Both legs are paralysed now. Shes still alert and faeces is solid and normal colour.View attachment 1618190

 

[Sultan's girls]

I'm so sorry she's having this going on. She looks so much like abhen thatst very small that was given to me as a chick that I had trouble identifying. I pray your hen will heal from whatever is going on. Jan

 

[Cragg Klefor]

Hi all! Took her to a vet and I was told it’s either Mareks or heavy metal poisoning. I got her the lead antidote and a B injection. Hoping it’s one of the latter. I’ll find out in a couple days. Is there any come back from Mareks at this stage?? I’ve read post that say a paralysed hen came back after nursing??
I would prefer her to be with her flock when she goes and not under fluro lights.

I'm really sorry to hear that, but glad you could get her to a vet.
I too have read stories of Mareks carriers coming back from paralysis - remaining carriers of course.
So what did the vet advise now - course of action?

 

[FinneFarm]

I'm really sorry to hear that, but glad you could get her to a vet.
I too have read stories of Mareks carriers coming back from paralysis - remaining carriers of course.
So what did the vet advise now - course of action?

The vet suggested euthanasia, but thats their job. I'm going to give her TLC until she/if she deteriorates. Shes still perky, so i'm still hopeful.

 

[Cragg Klefor]

The vet suggested euthanasia, but thats their job. I'm going to give her TLC until she/if she deteriorates. Shes still perky, so i'm still hopeful.

While she's perky, eating and drinking, why not! Will you continue getting B vitamins into her? Personally I would.
How is she now, still pooping and squatting? Did the vet feel for an egg?

 

[rebrascora]

Yes, I have had several birds come back from quite significant Marek's paralysis. One bird took about 3 months to recover enough to return to free ranging with the flock although she retained a slight limp. She was nest bound for several weeks initially and I actually set a date to euthanize her a couple of times but she was still bright eyed when the day came and I couldn't do it. As long as she continues to eat then there is hope with Marek's. Once they lose interest in food it is a downhill slide and I think it may signify the development of internal tumours. If you can put her outside in a safe cage (ideally on grass as mine that have recovered have actively eaten grass when they have had access and it is known to have healing properties for many grazing animals) on warmer days where she can see the others, that will help keep her spirits up. I would not put her in with the others. Firstly they may suddenly set upon her because they can sense that a bird is sick and it is instinct to drive a diseased bird out of the flock. Secondly, if it is Marek's, she will be shedding the virus whilst she is symptomatic. It is possible/likely that the other birds will have already been exposed to it but increasing the reservoir of infected material in their environment can only make things worse, so it is a balance between her having chicken company and minimising the risk. It is my belief that the place where infected material is most likely to collect and linger longest and most easily re-infect, is in the coop, so keeping her elsewhere overnight and putting her out near the others, perhaps down wind of them, during the day when weather allows might be the best compromise.

 

[Eggcessive]

Since there are multiple concerns (possible Mareks disease, riboflavin B2 deficiency, egg binding from calcium deficiency or too large an egg, or heavy metal toxicity,) going on with your hen to help explain her lameness, I would continue the B complex vitamins, helping her drink and eat, and offer a calcium tablet for 2-3 days. A chicken sling with her feet touching the ground may help her stay near food and water and keep her clean.

 

[FinneFarm]

While she's perky, eating and drinking, why not! Will you continue getting B vitamins into her? Personally I would.
How is she now, still pooping and squatting? Did the vet feel for an egg?

She is still pooping, but the squatting stopped. I think it may have been a protection thing as she cant retreat. I had her in a sling with legs out, but i don't think she liked it. She is now in a Shade cloth sling with her legs under her. I have cut a poop shoot. Shade cloth, as it is over 30deg Celcius and she was panting in a full fabric cover.