My hen can't walk or balance I need help figuring this out

[emmyb58]

My hen 1 yr old, started limping, so we have seperated her. She has food and water in a big dog crate. She now isn't walking and just tips forward. Her right leg goes forward and the left is kind of going backwards. I had examined her feet and joints as much as I can tell they are okay. She will eat fine when we are right there, but can't move to her food by herself. The problem is we have had the worst time with the chickens we got last year, thirteen to start with and she is one of the last two. we have never had this kind of trouble before. I thought we were doing okay because we hadn't lost any for a couple of months. Now this. They have a 6' by 10' hen house with a 20 x20 run outside. they eat layena, have fresh water and oyster shell available. I just don't know what to do.

 

[leadwolf1]

Please read the threads on Marek's...the one leg forward, one back is classic symptoms. After reading about it, if you think this is what you might be dealing with, have your hen necropsied and get a definitive answer. Most state labs due necropsies for little or no cost. I just hate being the bearer of bad news

I just finished reading your entire thread....with the amount of losses that you have sustained, I would almost bet on it being Marek's. I am so sorry. Please, try and get that necropsy done so you will know for sure. There are many good threads on here and there are some great people who will help you if this is what is happening...even if it is for a shoulder to cry on.....

I am one of those...I've lost 25 chickens to Marek's and have several more starting symptoms....

 

[emmyb58]

leadwolf
thank you, for the response. even if the news probably isn't the best. but at this point i just want to know what to do. it says mareks is very contagious. i have added a pair of orpingtons to my flock a little over a month ago, do you think they are in danger too. they were about 20 weeks when i got them. the rooster just crowed for the first time and the hen layed her first egg, both on Easter. I really don't want to lose them too.

 

[leadwolf1]

If it is Marek's, yes they are in danger, too. I'm so sorry

Do you know if they were vaccinated? If they were, they might be safer. Also, the fact that they are older might help also. Chickens gain resistance as they get older.

Try and get the necropsy done so you will know. In the meantime, clean and bleach everything. Marek's is shed through dander, saliva and feces...this is why it is so hard to control. Try and keep everything as clean as possible. Take care of healthy birds first...sick last.

Good luck...remember, we are all here to support you!

 

[emmyb58]

thank you,
i talked with our ag dept. at the college and will be getting a necropsy done through them. from talking to the poultry person there, he said that vacination is about the only way to not have this problem. because it is so very hard to control and is spread in so many ways, shoes,wild birds, mice etc. thank you again.

If it is Marek's, yes they are in danger, too. I'm so sorry

Do you know if they were vaccinated? If they were, they might be safer. Also, the fact that they are older might help also. Chickens gain resistance as they get older.

Try and get the necropsy done so you will know. In the meantime, clean and bleach everything. Marek's is shed through dander, saliva and feces...this is why it is so hard to control. Try and keep everything as clean as possible. Take care of healthy birds first...sick last.

Good luck...remember, we are all here to support you!

 

[leadwolf1]

You are welcome! Keep us updated, please.