Neighbor needs help... Little hen lathargic and laying on side

[kellyjo8437]

Quote: I agree. Kellyjo, tell your neighbor to confine her in a small cage with feed and water. You want to limit the birds movement for about 5 days, giving time for the injury to heal, if that's what it is. Excessive walking or standing can further injure the leg. Adding vitamin B complex to the feed might help speed up recovery. Crush a few tablets into powder and sprinkle it on top of her feed to eat. Hopefully this will help her walk normal again. Time heals these types of injuries.

The bird is not moving on her own unless picked up etc. I will tell her to let her be and will do the same. She is in a small dog cage... My smallest about 2' by 18". I loaned her a few small dishes to put feed in right in front of the poor girl. She is eating and drinking. Will update again later. Thank you guys so much for the help. It really is appreciated.

 

[Lacrystol]

Just keep her quiet for a few days, as long as she is eating and drinking, you are on the right track for recovery....Keep checking her legs and what not, just in case something wasn't noticeable the first time you checked her and now is. Kind of like when you hurt yourself you don't feel it until the next day. You could also give her Baby aspirin, if you aren't already..

 

[kellyjo8437]

UPDATE: I went to visit the little hen this morning before work and she looks good She is still eating and drinking and more alert. She is not making an effort to move that owner has notice but she seems to be sitting upright and not on her side now at least..... Do you still think the baby asprin is necessary? If so how much do you give? Grind it up and sprinkle over food or in water? Thanks!!!!

 

[Lacrystol]

That's great news, GOOD for you, as far as the baby asprin, unless she seems like she's in some pain, I would but sounds like progress is going good just keep doing what you are doing... YIPPIE

 

[FrancesR]

Do give her B complex! You can grind it up and mix it with water and syringe a bit down her throat. B vits will support nerve health and help her recovery. I had very good results with two chickens that acted much like the one you describe. I suspect some bits of feed turned moldy, which can produce a neurotoxin that causes partial paralysis. Start the B therapy asap and you'll likely see some improvement.

 

[kellyjo8437]

UPDATE: Well the little hen is limping BUT is walking now! She moves about her little cage and seems to be doing sooooooooooo much better! I am so grateful to all of you. My poor neighbor was going to cull this little girl cause she did not want it suffering and I said wait a while, I know a site I can ask all our questions on...... Thank you all so much! I suspect by the beginning of this next week she will be almost back to normal. Happy thoughts to all of you from both of us!

 

[Lacrystol]

Let's see some Pictures.... YIPPPPIE, its always great news to here when you got a leg problem and they recover....... Because leg problems from what I understand are the hardest to pin point...

 

[dawg53]

UPDATE: Well the little hen is limping BUT is walking now! She moves about her little cage and seems to be doing sooooooooooo much better! I am so grateful to all of you. My poor neighbor was going to cull this little girl cause she did not want it suffering and I said wait a while, I know a site I can ask all our questions on...... Thank you all so much! I suspect by the beginning of this next week she will be almost back to normal. Happy thoughts to all of you from both of us!

I'd still continue the vitamin B complex treatment if I were you, keep her caged too.

 

[kellyjo8437]

Just wanted to let everyone know that the little hen is doing great. How long should neighbor keep in separate cage and how long should she keep feeding the b vitamins. Thanks again!

 

[dawg53]

Once she is walking normally or maybe even with a slight limp, your neighbor could release the bird. Your neighbor should keep an eye on the hen in case there's increased limping.