Odd issue I am sure one of you has seen and can explain...

[RoboDuck]

My Light Brahma rooster, about 8 months old, has suddenly developed droopy wings. I saw my geese doing this when we inadvertently gave them too much protein but I have not ever seen a chicken do this. They just kinda drag the ground. He seems fine. Eating and drinking. But he can't get his wings folded and all tucked up tight like they're supposed to be. He is in isolation right now because the other roosters are taking advantage of him. Is there a vitamin deficiency? Nutrition issue? What the heck?

 

[Eggcessive]

Droopy wings can be a sign of a neurological problem. Was he vaccinated for Mareks disease? Could he be dehydrated?

 

[RoboDuck]

If he's dehydrated it is not an issue of lack of water. He has constant access to water at the pond. We have not vaccinated. But he shows no other signs of problems. He is eating, is not lethargic, he is free range so he has plenty of greens and the food we throw out. It's almost like he's just lost strength in his wings and can't hold them up.

 

[Eggcessive]

You might try getting some electrolytes and vitamins to go in his water. Most feed stores sell them in packets, or in small jars for poultry.

 

[RoboDuck]

Well it's all a moot point now. He died. Still very odd. We have about 30 roosters all living the same lifestyle so it's not a care issue. I wonder what went wrong with him.

 

[Eggcessive]

So sorry for your loss. I have researched a lot of threads on BYC about drooping wings, and so many end up with a chicken dying in the next 24 hours. As far as him possibly being dehydrated, chickens and roosters can be kept from water and food by the others. Without monitoring your flock 24/7 we don't always notice that this may be going on. Didn't want to accuse you of not watering them, just pointing out that dehydration from whatever reason, can cause neurological symptoms such as dropping wings. I'm not a vet, just an amateur chicken owner, but this can be a sign of Mareks disease, also. If it would be possible to get a necropsy done on him by your state vet, they could test for Mareks. It is a disease that remains in the environment for 7 years at least, so good to know about. Here are a couple of good links about Mareks to read even if it doesn't apply:
http://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000791_Rep813.pdf
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq

 

[RoboDuck]

I appreciate that. I was at work and my wife didn't tell me he'd died until later in the day. I don't know if he is still in shape to be sent off for testing but I will certainly be watching the other chickens. Especially since dehydration is unlikely. He has a pond that is over an acre to drink from. Not likely that the others could keep him away from the whole thing. Unless he just wasn't drinking by choice due to illness. The whole thing from first noticeable issue to death was about a week. And droopy wings was the only symptom that I ever saw.