Paralyzed Hen

[TDAHL]

I have a hen that was totally fine one day and then the next day she couldn’t walk. She is very alert, she eats and drinks and even kicks her legs when you pick her up but she can’t walk at all. Her joints look swollen and bruised so I’m wondering if that is causing her to become immobilized or is it a result of sitting on them? I am keeping her indoors and giving her food/water and extra vitamins but nothing is helping. I am noticing her right foot is starting to curl under as well. Please help!

 

[Blossom_Bubbles_Buttercup]

Take her to a vet ASAP, don't wait or it might get worse

 

[Gray Farms]

Euthanasia is the best option. Letting a paralyzed bird live is cruel regardless of if its still able to eat.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about your pullet. How old is she? How long has she been having problems with lameness? Was she vaccinated for Mareks disease? Will she eat and drink for you? Unfortunately it sounds a lot like Mareks disease, but she also could have been injured. I usually think trying some vitamins with riboflavin (B2) in case there is a deficiency. Keep her separated so that she is not hurt, near food and water. A chicken sling or chair might be something to use to get her up and in front of water and food. Here is a link that shows sling designs:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/

 

[Eggcessive]

Here are some good articles to read about Mareks disease:
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/ext...Preventing Mareks Disease in Small Flocks.pdf

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

 

[TDAHL]

Sorry about hour pullet. How old is she? How long has she been having problems with lameness? Was she vaccinated for Mareks disease? Will she eat and drink for you? Unfortunately it sounds a lot like Mareks disease, but she also could have been injured. I usually think trying some vitamins with riboflavin (B2) in case there is a deficiency. Keep her separated so that she is not hurt, near food and water. A chicken sling or chair might be something to use to get her up and in front of water and food. Here is a link that shows sling designs:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/

Sorry about hour pullet. How old is she? How long has she been having problems with lameness? Was she vaccinated for Mareks disease? Will she eat and drink for you? Unfortunately it sounds a lot like Mareks disease, but she also could have been injured. I usually think trying some vitamins with riboflavin (B2) in case there is a deficiency. Keep her separated so that she is not hurt, near food and water. A chicken sling or chair might be something to use to get her up and in front of water and food. Here is a link that shows sling designs:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/

She is about 8 months old. We did vaccinate her for mareks but I read somewhere that it doesn’t guarantee that they won’t get it. She eats and drinks like there is nothing wrong with her! I have her in the house and I’m giving her the B vitamins and Bathing her in warm water every night to see if the swelling in her joins will go down,but so far nothing has changed. It hasn’t gotten worse but it hasn’t gotten better. It has been about 4 days now. I’m going to give her a few more days and if nothing changes, I might have to put her down.

 

[TDAHL]

Here are some good articles to read about Mareks disease:
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/_docs/programs/poultry/FS-1007 Recognizing and Preventing Mareks Disease in Small Flocks.pdf

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

Thank you!

 

[Eggcessive]

If you place her in a chicken sling, it would get her off her hocks and may allow them to heal. Are her ankles swollen as well? If not, this sounds more like an injury. Do you have a rooster or hens that might have hurt her or could she have injured her joints by jumping down? Here are some chicken sling ideas:

 

[LJoWilly]

Wishing you the best...((hugs))