How are ya'lls chickens doing with the snow days we've had?
Good question especially with record breaking cold and snow ahead.
I have moved all 129 chickens into the barn hen house with several red bulb heat lamps securely suspended from the rafters above big water tubs and one above the well pump handle inside the corner of the barn. They usually free range during the day and go to the hen house or outside pens to roost at night.
While crowded inside, the chickens have ample roost areas and their body heat will help keep the hen house comfortable at night.
I‘m providing either warm scrambled eggs or cooked oatmeal or grits to the flock at least once a day and cracked corn and grains at night. Both help the chicken produce body heat As well as supplement the egg layer pellets.
A chicken’s body temperature is usually over 100 degrees and they fluff their feathers to form a warm air space under the feathers.
My birds have loved the snow and enjoy the sunshine in winter, but this series of storms will be a true test of their endurance and stamina.
I am having a similar problem with one of mine though she is suddenly able walk straight after she lays an egg. I have only been able to find info saying it happens during molt, which doesn't apply, or that it is neurological. You might try posting in the emergencies thread and see if anyone comes up with anything. I'd like to know what's causing it if it is neurological but haven't found anything on that.
If this happens during molt, it could be a calcium deficiency as the new growing feathers utilize calcium.
Head injuries, respiratory conditions, heart disease, worms, lice, even spider bites or wasp stings can affect the clumsiness or stumbling gait. Since chickens hide many symptoms while they develop, it can be startling to all of a sudden see one in stress That appeared perfectly healthy the morning before.
I would caution jumping to the conclusion that it is Mareks disease unless you are housing your birds around turkeys or have many wild birds frequenting the hen yard Or have had Mareks cases before.