Need help please

I see that you live in Arizona, and I was just wondering what the temperature there has been, over the last 2 days or so? Has it been over 88? I'm leaning towards a stroke if it's been pretty warm over your way. I've seen chickens before that were free ranged all day, in the beating down sun, with no shade available to them at all. A lot of them suffered heat stroke. We just tried to keep them as comfortable as possible, out of drafts, out of the sun and with water available to them at all times. We would even stick their beaks into the water for them just so they'd get a little liquid in them. Some of them were apparently too far gone to be saved and unfortunately those were the ones that usually went into shock first. So the moral of the story is this...it might be time to call a Vet.
It may turn out to be nothing. Or you may find out the chicken has Marek's (with almost paralyzed legs and the head bobbing, I wouldn't rule it out just yet...IMO.
I hope things turn around for you and your birds real soon! Keep us posted.

 

The protruding keel or breastbone is a sign that she is very underweight. I suspect Mareks disease, although botulism or other poisoning should be considered. In Mareks there can be paralysis of one or both legs or wings, and sometimes the neck is affected. Weight loss and green poops are common, along with a slow full crop. Most important is getting her to drink some vitamins and electrolyte water, then feeding her. Scrambled egg along with her normal feed wet with water may get her to eat some. Botulism is caused by eating a toxin produced by animal or plant matter that has been underground or without air. If chickens live for 48 hours with botulism, they may live with supportive care. I would look for any signs of dead animals or fish, or some other poison, such as lead or other in the environment. Sorry that you are dealing with this, and I hope she gets better. Here are some links to read:

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/19/botulism
http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/avian-atlas/search/disease/502
http://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000791_Rep813.pdf
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq

 

If she dies, which I hope she doesn't, I would suggest that you ship her body to your state vet or to UC Davis in California for a necropsy. AZ is pricey on necropsies I think, so CA may be better. Here are more links to help with that:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/799747/how-to-send-a-bird-for-a-necropsy-pictures

Arizona Department of Agriculture
1688 W. Adams St
Phoenix, AZ 85007
View in Google Maps

phone:
(602)542-4373​

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Yes, Mareks can come on suddenly, and rarely the symptoms can disappear, then tumors can show up later on. It is a strange disease, and Nambroth, who put together the Mareks Faq article, is a good BYC source for info on the disease. Don't take this as a diagnosis because I am no expert. I would keep treating her for dehydration though, because electrolyte imbalance can cause neurological symptoms. Her keel bone may also be prominent because she is dehydrated or young. I really hope you see some improvement in her condition soon.

 

Hi there!
Just thought I'd check in with you to see how your hen is doing today. Any signs of improvement? I keep thinking abut her. Let us know how she is, ok.