Need advice for long term care of crippled silkie *with picture

[ethingtonart]

Last spring I hatched out a silkie (still not sure on the gender, lol) named Blueberry. Blueberry was born with a couple of problems; she had a malformed foot, which I partially corrected with a corrective shoe, and a strange tick. Whenever Blueberry gets stressed her head twitches to the side. I didn't have the heart to cull her because she was getting around pretty well once her foot was corrected, but as she grew she lost her ability to walk. (Blueberry's legs are not paralyzed either. She can move both of them, but if she tries to sit up or stand they vibrate. The sound of her feet vibrating sounds like my cell phone on vibrate. It's really strange.) She was getting around the coop by flapping her wings and scooting, but of coarse it was difficult for her to eat and drink this way.

So, I have brought her inside where she can sit in a sling and eat and drink on her own, which she seems to like. She can also get out of the sling when she wants by flapping her wings. I have been giving baby vitamins (no iron) once a week, and hoping Blueberry might regain the strength to walk, but it doesn't seem like that is going to happen.

My question is; will this setup be okay for Blueberry in the long term? I am a stay at home mom, so I am able to provide plenty of care and attention. I am completely attached too, so culling isn't really an option at this point.

 

[kickinchicken]

I would have her on vitamins daily, not just once a week. I put Poly Vi Sol in all my chickens water, always. I also offer crushed oyster shells for calcium and the red grit, it has more vitamins and minerals than regular grit.
perhaps doing a daily physical therapy session on her legs. Lightly stretching them and moving them to help her regain her range of motion, like you would do for an arthritic person.
As long as she is healthy and you are willing to care for her, then things should be fine.

Good Luck!

 

[ethingtonart]

Thanks, I had never heard that about red grit.

Being unsure about the gender (I am using "she" genericly) would it still be okay to give extra calcium? (Still no eggs or crowing.) The therapy idea is great! I will try that! If nothing else it will get her out of the sling once and awhile and hopefully help her to bond with people.

 

[Northwood Silkies]

Kudos to you for giving her a chance

. I know I probably would have culled her just because I myself don't have the time to care for a special needs chicken and honestly don't have the patience for it but sounds like she's in great hands with you. Good luck with her!

 

[speckledhen]

Maybe you've heard about my crippled rooster, Zane, the one in my avatar. He is three and a half years old and lost use of one leg at about 5 months old from an injury (permanent tendon damage, we think). I wouldn't do it again, but we love Zane and he enjoys life. We fought so long to kick out infection in his hock joint that it was almost impossible to let him go when it finally worked, thanks to Dr. Peter Brown, who many of you know.

There are some things you must think about if you keep Blueberry, though. For example, Zane cannot dustbathe so we have to dust him and the straw in his cage with DE occasionally to make sure he doesn't get lice/mites. We must trim his spurs and his toenails as well as his beak because he cannot wear them down naturally and the spurs will get in his way. He must be in the sunshine and have visits from his favorite girl to stay interested in life, but when out on the ground, he is completely vulnerable to predators because he can't get away and he knows it. He does thump around on his good leg, using his wings as crutches and he crows several times a day when he's in a good mood. It's not to be taken lightly, caring for a handicapped bird, but Zane chose life (long story) and we vowed to care for him as long as he's healthy and happy. That could be many years, though, since he doesn't have the usual rooster pressures.

 

[kickinchicken]

Ooh! Good points Speckled hen! Things only someone who has been there would know. Awesome advice!

And back to the OP....I think all birds should have some form of calcium....they have bones, right? And your bird does have an issue with his/her legs. I have a special feed I bought at TSC for my birds when they get sick....Manna Pro Poultry Conditioner. Its about $8 for a 5# bag. It is a great thing to put them on if they are ill or a bit off their game. I don't feed it all the time, but in your case, your bird has something going on with her legs and perhaps its a vitamin deficiency. Better food, supplements, more leafy greens, fruit, veggies....this can all only help. Clearly a situation where grower feed will not cut it. You gotta up your game, girl!

Also, for PT (physical therapy), try some water aerobics. My lab had to do a round of water treadmill for his knees. They get the necessary leg movement without the impact or strain on the joints. Float her in a warm tub and get those chicken legs paddling like a duck!

Maybe look into some chicken leg supports like they used to make for kids with polio in the old days. You're home all day, perhaps you can get something made that supports her legs and attaches to her body. Just thinking outside the box....

 

[chickenzoo]

This is what I made for my goose. I was going to add wheels....

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Quote:

 

[Miss Lydia]

how is your goose doing chicken zoo ? that is one cool contraption..

 

[chickenzoo]

Quote:
Sadly I lost him and his friend Sheldon the swan to a freak accident during a very bad storm. If that hadn't have taken them they would have still been happy in their chairs.