older hen suddenly has lost her balance

[My1stChickens]

6 year old hen was fine this morning, gobbling up mealworms. This evening, she literally fell off the roost when she tried to move for a bossier hen. She does not seem to be able to stand without falling over like a drunk. She's in good weight, recovered from this year's molting and looks fantastic. She was fine this morning, can't stand/walk tonight. I know people often mention Mareks when one's falling over-- but I thought that struck earlier in life? Weather is moderate, no stresses. None of the six hens are laying, and the two elderly ladies (6 years old) typically lay just a handful each summer.

Her weight is good, feathers look great, and I don't find any sign of injury on her. She's strong enough to put up a fuss when I lifted her to examine her. I've put her in a kennel, but left her out in the coop. (it's only going down to 45 tonight) She seems comfortable when she "sets" down. The only thing I can think to do for her is add vitamins to her water, and supportive care? I will probably bring her in the house tomorrow since it will drop down to low 30's tomorrow night. If I've overlooked something, please let me know?

 

[chicknmania]

Ear infection maybe? Perhaps looking for discharge or noticing odor around her ears? It's possible too that she could have had a little stroke. Is she eating?

I've read Marek's can strike at any age, but I would be surprised it that's what it is. However, Avian Leukosis can cause similar symptoms, and in the beginning you might not notice weight loss. I believe there are quite a few things that can cause neurological symptoms at any age in chickens.

Neuro problems seem to be a thing with them.

I hope it's something simple that you can fix. Please keep us posted. I like to use Rooster Booster B&K vitamins for sick or injured birds, and Poultry Cell is good too

 

[azygous]

Any chance she had toxic exposure to something? Insecticide? Petroleum distillates, paint thinner, hydraulic fluids spilled onto the ground where she picked up grit?

How about mold? Check the feed by smelling it. Mold makes it smell terrible. Mold is a toxin and it and petroleum distillates can all produce these symptoms.

If you can rule out toxic exposure, then she may be having a temporary bout of vitamin E and B deficiency.

 

[My1stChickens]

Any chance she had toxic exposure to something? Insecticide? Petroleum distillates, paint thinner, hydraulic fluids spilled onto the ground where she picked up grit?

How about mold? Check the feed by smelling it. Mold makes it smell terrible. Mold is a toxin and it and petroleum distillates can all produce these symptoms.

If you can rule out toxic exposure, then she may be having a temporary bout of vitamin E and B deficiency.

No access to any kind of chemicals, their coop is attached to a fenced in run. I know the feed in the pan is not molded, but they do spill-- it's possible that she could have found some wet/moldy feed on the ground. Not probable though-- it has not rained for a week. If it's something toxic, it's got to be a bad bug/insect.
I will check on Vitamin B and E in my little arsenal. I'm pretty sure I have, but will see if that's also in the nutridrench or electrolyte/vitamin powder.

Fingers crossed.

 

[My1stChickens]

Ear infection maybe? Perhaps looking for discharge or noticing odor around her ears? It's possible too that she could have had a little stroke. Is she eating?

I've read Marek's can strike at any age, but I would be surprised it that's what it is. However, Avian Leukosis can cause similar symptoms, and in the beginning you might not notice weight loss. I believe there are quite a few things that can cause neurological symptoms at any age in chickens.

Neuro problems seem to be a thing with them.

I hope it's something simple that you can fix. Please keep us posted. I like to use Rooster Booster B&K vitamins for sick or injured birds, and Poultry Cell is good too

I'll check around her ears. I had not thought of a stroke. I have not offered her food, since it was already getting dark. Will be offering food and vitamins first thing in the morning.

 

[azygous]

B-1, B-6, and B-12 or a good B-complex is what you want to look for. They help repair nerve connections. Vitamin E 400iu also will help in this regard.

 

[My1stChickens]

Update: I changed my mind, and fixed a hospital cage in the guest bathroom. Once her cage was ready, I went to get her and she stood well when I got her out of her cage... carried her in the house, put her in the new cage, and she stands there perfectly balanced, and starts talking up a storm! No tipping, no falling. Strong, erect, alert. I offered food and water, she ignored both. She's not thrilled to be in the house. I turned the lights off, and if she looks this good in the morning, I will probably take her back out to her friends. <shaking my head, chickens make me crazy>

 

[micstrachan]

Update: I changed my mind, and fixed a hospital cage in the guest bathroom. Once her cage was ready, I went to get her and she stood well when I got her out of her cage... carried her in the house, put her in the new cage, and she stands there perfectly balanced, and starts talking up a storm! No tipping, no falling. Strong, erect, alert. I offered food and water, she ignored both. She's not thrilled to be in the house. I turned the lights off, and if she looks this good in the morning, I will probably take her back out to her friends. <shaking my head, chickens make me crazy>

Good call returning to her friends in the morning. I second the advice of azygous.

 

[chicknmania]

I Always try to keep them near their friends when they are sick or injured. I use a heater panel and a crate or small pen unless it is summer and and very warm then I skip the heat. It's scary for them being in our houses away from their normal environment. Think about it. And being scared doesn't help.

 

[chicknmania]

Maybe it was a stroke then