Pigeon partial paralysis

[Qualien]

I have a pigeon approximately 1 year old. She is showing paralysis of the legs, at intermittent periods (days apart). Her wings and neck work fine, her eyes are clear, her feces appear to be slightly watery, but the solids show a normal amount urates vs. Fecal matter, the liquid portion is clear, without color. She is cognitively aware of her surroundings, and alert. Between bouts she appears fine, and interacts normally. She hasn't been outside of the loft, nor have any of the other birds in the loft. No other birds show or have shown any symptoms, and all appear healthy. We are practicing bio security for our loft, the feed is dry and in a clean space, bedding is clean, water is replaced daily.

I have also posted this in emergencies, diseases, and cures. I didn't know where I would get the best advice.

 

[biophiliac]

I have a pigeon approximately 1 year old. She is showing paralysis of the legs, at intermittent periods (days apart). Her wings and neck work fine, her eyes are clear, her feces appear to be slightly watery, but the solids show a normal amount urates vs. Fecal matter, the liquid portion is clear, without color. She is cognitively aware of her surroundings, and alert. Between bouts she appears fine, and interacts normally. She hasn't been outside of the loft, nor have any of the other birds in the loft. No other birds show or have shown any symptoms, and all appear healthy. We are practicing bio security for our loft, the feed is dry and in a clean space, bedding is clean, water is replaced daily.

I have also posted this in emergencies, diseases, and cures. I didn't know where I would get the best advice.

What about calcium? Has she access to enough? Especially if she is laying...

 

[Qualien]

Thank you @biophiliac. She probably is low on calcium, our feed store ran out two months ago, and I was just able to get some more yesterday morning. I've got some in there now. Would low calcium cause her legs not to work? Other than putting more calcium in with her, is there anything else I can do to fix it? The episode had passed, and she was walking and flying normally again this morning. I haven't seen her fly while her legs aren't working, but she does flap her wings to scoot around on her belly. She doesn't seem to be able to feel her feet when she's in an episode either, or stand on a perch.

 

[biophiliac]

Would low calcium cause her legs not to work? Other than putting

Calcium plays a role in muscle contraction,so i think yes. Are you using oyster shell, liquid calcium supplement, or other?

 

[biophiliac]

haven't seen her fly while her legs aren't working, but she does flap her wings to scoot around on her belly. She

I think this suggests she can't fly during the episode. Once she gets enough calcium she should recover completely!

 

[Qualien]

I think this suggests she can't fly during the episode. Once she gets enough calcium she should recover completely!

Thank you so much! @biophiliac currently I'm using oyster shell. I've been very worried about her, she's been eating, drinking, flying, and pecking at her oyster shells since the episode. I'll be keeping a close eye on her for a while.
I'm not sure how to do it, but can we link this thread into the other one so that anyone else having issues with this will be able to find the right info?
I'll also make sure to update it in a while to make sure to let people know how she is doing.

 

[biophiliac]

I'm not sure how to do it, but can we link this thread into the other one so that anyone else having issues with this will be able to find the right info?

IDK either. Probably @Kiki does! Lol.

Glad your hen is doing better.

 

[Kiki]

Other thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/pigeon-partial-paralysis.1472542/

 

[biophiliac]

Other thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/pigeon-partial-paralysis.1472542/

Saludos y abrazos Amiga!

 

[Old_Strain_Lover]

Sorry, have been very busy. But bio gave you some very good advice. Calcium deficiency can and does cause a leg paralysis in hens who are laying eggs. I have had it happen a couple times in the past when a hen for whatever reason was refusing to eat grit.