PLEASE HELP!!!

[Emmaus Rd Farm]

Hi, This is my first post. I have been viewing for a while to learn how to best take care of my own flock someday. On to my problem. I am caring for my neighbors small flock while they are away. Two days ago I noticed one of the two Barred Rock hens was limping. I just thought she took a fall of the perch or something and she would be OK. Yesterday I noticed that she was laying down. I helped her up and she limped around a bit. Today she will not get up, and the other one is now limping too. The owner says that chickens sometimes get an egg lodged inside them and they die and that is all there is to it. Is there something I can do for them? Any thoughts or idea's would be appreciated. Thanks!

BTW, the owner is coming home tomorrow.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. I think it probably is a sprain on both hens. If the roosts are high, it can be a common injury. You can use a disposable glove to feel inside the vent with 1 finger an inch or so for a stuck egg. I would worry about the one who cannot get up at all, in case her legs are paralyzed. There are a few diseases that can cause leg paralysis such as botulism and Mareks disease. There is no treatment for either of those, but I would make sure that both hens are close to food and water, and not getting dehydrated which may also difficulty standing. Let us know if you need any other help.

 

[Emmaus Rd Farm]

Thank you! I talked to my neighbor and he called his dad to come check it out. I haven't heard anything as of yet.