Paralyzed Foot

[LazzVintage]

Hello, almost two weeks ago our rooster was limping on one hock with his toes curled under and soon he stopped standing. He has been sitting in a separate part of the run, eating and drinking well. Then yesterday I noticed the foot looked like it was becoming necrotic so I took him to the ER vet. They didn’t think it’s Mareks because the other hens are ok, probably something pressing on the nerve. That foot and the lower part of his leg are cold and he has no feeling in his foot. The toes are stuck in a curled position. They said it wasn’t necessarily “necrotic” but I wish I had questioned more about what would happen if he continues like this.
They agreed it was probably best to put him down but said he wasn’t in pain so I brought him home to care for him a bit more. He is eating and drinking well, crowing a bit, his comb looks great but his foot looks terrible. Oddly enough he seems happy. Not sure what to do at this point, anyone ever had this happen?
Thanks

 

[Debbie292d]

Hi,

How old is your beautiful rooster?

I've not had this happen to an adult chicken but what I'd do is put him on B-Complex every day for a couple of weeks to see if that helps him. You could give him the whole pill if you have some or they're available at Walmart or drug stores.

The vet nor you could find any injury?

I'd also try out a boot on him to see if that helps him. For chicks we cut a square of thin cardboard to fit the whole bottom of their foot with toes spread, then plant the foot down on it and tape it down with painters tape or masking tape if you don't have the painter's. For him I'd try come up with something stronger than thin cardboard, like if you have something that's thin, such as plastic. If you have any kitty litter buckets or ice cream buckets, you could cut a piece out of those.

If you have vitamins to put in his water, that might help too. We use Poultry Cell mostly.

I'll just mention this too, if he's been eating layer feed, over time the extra calcium that roosters can't absorb can affect their kidneys. Their leg nerves run through their kidneys.