Old hen high-stepping and stumbling

[MysteryChicken]

Thank you @Wyorp Rock ! I'm willing to try the extract.

Looking on Amazon there are a few different strengths from 1000mg to 3600mg to 10,500mg. Which one should I get? Thanks!!

I use 1,200mg.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I use 1,200mg.

Would it hurt to get the higher dose like the 3600mg? Could I give it once a day?

 

[MysteryChicken]

Would it hurt to get the higher dose like the 3600mg? Could I give it once a day?

Could use that, maybe twice a day. But I found what I use.

Spring Valley Tart Cherry Extract for Joint Health, 1200 Mg, 90 Capsules https://a.co/d/2hqDbzn

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you @Wyorp Rock ! I'm willing to try the extract.

She is no longer the top hen, but she's not being bullied. In fact the other hens seem to be trying to help her and give her company.

Keep us posted on how she's doing.

Oh, and I have observed this type of behavior too. Sometimes when one is ailing and she was/is a high ranking bird, others will sit with her for a while and keep her company. For me, if this is happening, I leave her with her flock, but do monitor closely to make sure no bullying/picking is going on. I had a hen that waxed and waned for about a year, 2 hens especially would sit and lounge with her a few times a day and they also seemed to go eat with her. Any other hens that even looked slightly cross-eyed at her was scolded by the other 2 hens, they were her escorts. They waited for her to go inside the coop each night and get settled in the bed I kept clean and fluffy for her, then they would go roost. When she died, those 2 hens missed her, I could see it, but for chickens (as does us) life must go on.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Could use that, maybe twice a day. But I found what I use.

Spring Valley Tart Cherry Extract for Joint Health, 1200 Mg, 90 Capsules https://a.co/d/2hqDbzn

Thanks! I found that particular one at Walmart too so I'll be getting it there.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Keep us posted on how she's doing.

Oh, and I have observed this type of behavior too. Sometimes when one is ailing and she was/is a high ranking bird, others will sit with her for a while and keep her company. For me, if this is happening, I leave her with her flock, but do monitor closely to make sure no bullying/picking is going on. I had a hen that waxed and waned for about a year, 2 hens especially would sit and lounge with her a few times a day and they also seemed to go eat with her. Any other hens that even looked slightly cross-eyed at her was scolded by the other 2 hens, they were her escorts. They waited for her to go inside the coop each night and get settled in the bed I kept clean and fluffy for her, then they would go roost. When she died, those 2 hens missed her, I could see it, but for chickens (as does us) life must go on.

I will! Yes, I have been keeping a close eye on her. I wasn't expecting that behavior from the other hens but it's been nice - for her and for me!

 

[StinkyAcres]

So she's been on the tart cherry extract for about 10 days. We've been giving her 3 a day - 2 in the morning and 1 at night. Is there noticeable, significant improvement? No. Her feet are still very swollen but she is still perky, eating, drinking, walking around, and foraging. I guess I will continue the tart cherry as long as she isn't getting any worse.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Is it possible that the swelling is caused by scaly leg mites even though I don't see significantly raised scales? My Brahmas do have some raised scales but I'm not sure if that's because they have feathered feet.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

So she's been on the tart cherry extract for about 10 days. We've been giving her 3 a day - 2 in the morning and 1 at night. Is there noticeable, significant improvement? No. Her feet are still very swollen but she is still perky, eating, drinking, walking around, and foraging. I guess I will continue the tart cherry as long as she isn't getting any worse.

Is it possible that the swelling is caused by scaly leg mites even though I don't see significantly raised scales? My Brahmas do have some raised scales but I'm not sure if that's because they have feathered feet.

I'm sorry to hear there's no improvement.

I don't know if this could be caused by SLM or not. Treatment is usually applying oil (like Castor oil), Vaseline or NuStock to the legs and feet, working the oil/treatment up and into the scales. It won't hurt one bit to apply some oil or vaseline to the legs a couple of times a week. If nothing else it would be like getting a foot/leg massage.

 

[StinkyAcres]

I'm sorry to hear there's no improvement.

I don't know if this could be caused by SLM or not. Treatment is usually applying oil (like Castor oil), Vaseline or NuStock to the legs and feet, working the oil/treatment up and into the scales. It won't hurt one bit to apply some oil or vaseline to the legs a couple of times a week. If nothing else it would be like getting a foot/leg massage.

Thank you. I guess I might as well try, especially since I'm handling her every day now to give the cherry extract.

I forgot to mention that I do notice she has gained weight. I think the nicer weather, the new feed, and treating for fowl mites has helped her and all of my birds.