Found one of the girls laying on her side. She is about a year old. Unable to stand, has no balance and her legs don't support her weight at all, she simply falls sideways. There are no visible signs of injury. She was listless at first, but after moving her to a small padded box with food and water, propped up on towels against one side of the box she seems alert and moving from the neck only. She doesn't seem to have a broken leg or wing and doesn't make any sounds of pain or distress, even when examined. When picked up she does slowly move her legs but she hasn't tried to flap or move her wings. Her vent is not swollen and her abdomen doesn't feel hard. At first I thought maybe she had hit her head or broken her back, but I can't discern any issues with her spine.
In the last month I have found one lash egg and maybe three all black eggs that are still intact and not solid or hard inside. I have no idea if she laid them. Would reproductive cancer cause such weakness if it was her? Or more likely a head injury affect coordination and lack of movement? There is no poultry vet to consult within 300 miles of here. I'm currently thinking of leaving her isolated for 24 to 48 hours to see if she bounces back, and if not would likely need to humanely dispatch her so she isn't suffering. Does anyone have quail experience who can make suggestions?
In the last month I have found one lash egg and maybe three all black eggs that are still intact and not solid or hard inside. I have no idea if she laid them. Would reproductive cancer cause such weakness if it was her? Or more likely a head injury affect coordination and lack of movement? There is no poultry vet to consult within 300 miles of here. I'm currently thinking of leaving her isolated for 24 to 48 hours to see if she bounces back, and if not would likely need to humanely dispatch her so she isn't suffering. Does anyone have quail experience who can make suggestions?
