No Grasping Reflex One Foot, Walking on hock

[Mowglimommychick]

I have had a couple of birds, bantams only - silkie and bantam cochin - start limping a bit. They stick one foot out to the side to balance on the hock. When I touch the bottom of the foot on that side there is no reflexive grasping. Just like there's no feeling in the foot. The only control seems to be hip to hock. Then from hock down nothing. It doesn't progress to anything worse. Just causes mobility issues. What is this from? What can I do?

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I have had a couple of birds, bantams only - silkie and bantam cochin - start limping a bit. They stick one foot out to the side to balance on the hock. When I touch the bottom of the foot on that side there is no reflexive grasping. Just like there's no feeling in the foot. The only control seems to be hip to hock. Then from hock down nothing. It doesn't progress to anything worse. Just causes mobility issues. What is this from? What can I do?

What age is it happening and what do you feed including treats and supplements? Where did they come from originally and were the vaccinated for Marek's? Did they ever need treatment for coccidiosis?

Top suspects depending on answers start with Marek's or vitamin deficiency.

Are you able to upload a video to youtube or vimeo and then link here?

Also, please add your general location to your profile as it can help folks make the best suggestions possible at a glance.

 

[azygous]

Lameness issues are one of the most difficult when dealing with chickens. I've had my share of lame chickens, and currently have a nine-year old GLW hen that can get around on what seems to be arthritic legs, but it's very hard for her. I've tried everything to help her, and nothing has worked.

I hate to have to point out that Marek's is one of the most common causes of lameness, affecting joints. But another very common cause of lameness in adult chickens is petroleum distillates.

A few years ago, I finally traced several of the cases of lameness in my flock to a log splitter leaking hydraulic fluid onto the soil, and the chickens were picking up contaminated gravel for grit. I moved the log splitter to a place far from where my chickens range, and no more new cases of lameness since.

Try treating your lame birds with vitamin E 400iu and 25mcg selenium and vitamin B complex. If it's not Marek's or a congenital neurological issue, they may respond to this therapy and get better. But do check over your area for sources of possible petroleum contamination.

 

[Mowglimommychick]

Lameness issues are one of the most difficult when dealing with chickens. I've had my share of lame chickens, and currently have a nine-year old GLW hen that can get around on what seems to be arthritic legs, but it's very hard for her. I've tried everything to help her, and nothing has worked.

I hate to have to point out that Marek's is one of the most common causes of lameness, affecting joints. But another very common cause of lameness in adult chickens is petroleum distillates.

A few years ago, I finally traced several of the cases of lameness in my flock to a log splitter leaking hydraulic fluid onto the soil, and the chickens were picking up contaminated gravel for grit. I moved the log splitter to a place far from where my chickens range, and no more new cases of lameness since.

Try treating your lame birds with vitamin E 400iu and 25mcg selenium and vitamin B complex. If it's not Marek's or a congenital neurological issue, they may respond to this therapy and get better. But do check over your area for sources of possible petroleum contamination.

I'm sorry you've had this issue too. It's so hard to have an otherwise healthy bird have an issue that makes it hard for them to be in your flock without being bullied.

You bring up an intriguing thought - I don't know - I'll have to dig into the petro thing further.

I have wondered if it may be Marek's, but I have over 100 birds and the large majority are healthy overall. And it just doesn't seem to be progressive. I have also wondered about MG and if that could be the culprit, because they the flock does have a respiratory thing that pops up in the winter at times. I haven't had much luck with the B, E, and Selenium, but it may be I haven't gotten a therapeutic dose into them. How much of each is the specific bird supposed to get per day?

 

[Mowglimommychick]

What age is it happening
and what do you feed including treats and supplements? Where did they come from originally and were the vaccinated for Marek's? Did they ever need treatment for coccidiosis?

Top suspects depending on answers start with Marek's or vitamin deficiency.

Are you able to upload a video to youtube or vimeo and then link here?

Also, please add your general location to your profile as it can help folks make the best suggestions possible at a glance.

What age is it happening
About 6 or 7 months

What do you feed including treats and supplements?
Nutrena All Flock and Meat Bird, grit and oyster shell free choice, some corn and scratch grains are tossed out to the flock daily.

Where did they come from originally and were the vaccinated for Marek's?
The silkie was not vaccinated. The cochin bantam was from Cackle and was vaccinated against Marek's

Did they ever need treatment for coccidiosis?
When younger, yes

Top suspects depending on answers start with Marek's or vitamin deficiency.

Are you able to upload a video to youtube or vimeo and then link here?
Not at this moment but honestly she is such a round puff there's not much that can be seen.

Also, please add your general location to your profile as it can help folks make the best suggestions possible at a glance.
I'll check that but for now - Virginia

Thank you!

 

[azygous]

400iu E and a half a tablet of B complex per day for a small chicken. It can't hurt, even though the chances of it working aren't 100%.

If this is related to a respiratory virus, affecting the legs, the legs would likely be swollen.

You should try to rule out a simple injury. Baby aspirin can sometimes reduce inflammation and you could see improvement.