Nov 10, 2014 #1 PutnamPete Chirping 5 Years Nov 10, 2014 4 0 50 I have a hen who, for the last week or so, has been unable to perch or move quickly and walks upright with her tail dragging on the ground. Any thoughts? She's probably about 4 years old. She's eating and drinking well and seems to be pooping.
I have a hen who, for the last week or so, has been unable to perch or move quickly and walks upright with her tail dragging on the ground. Any thoughts? She's probably about 4 years old. She's eating and drinking well and seems to be pooping.
Nov 10, 2014 #2 Eggcessive Wrangler Premium Feather Member 14 Years Apr 3, 2011 83,187 84,378 1,592 southern Ohio Welcome to BYC. Has she been laying eggs? I would check inside her vent with a rubber glove an inch or two for a stuck egg. She may be suffering from internal laying or egg yolk peritonitis which can be common in older chickens, and sometimes caused this upright posture and waddling. It may be painful to walk. Here is some info about it: http://www.chickenvet.co.uk/health-and-common-diseases/egg-laying-issues/index.aspx https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/526089/egg-yolk-peritonitis Last edited: Nov 10, 2014
Welcome to BYC. Has she been laying eggs? I would check inside her vent with a rubber glove an inch or two for a stuck egg. She may be suffering from internal laying or egg yolk peritonitis which can be common in older chickens, and sometimes caused this upright posture and waddling. It may be painful to walk. Here is some info about it: http://www.chickenvet.co.uk/health-and-common-diseases/egg-laying-issues/index.aspx https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/526089/egg-yolk-peritonitis
Nov 12, 2014 Thread starter #3 PutnamPete Chirping 5 Years Nov 10, 2014 4 0 50 Thanks. I've checked the vent and found nothing. She's old and I thought might be too old to lay. I have her in a private place and away from the rooster. I will monitor her and check her vent again.
Thanks. I've checked the vent and found nothing. She's old and I thought might be too old to lay. I have her in a private place and away from the rooster. I will monitor her and check her vent again.