Possible feed toxin intake.

[SharW75]

I have two peahens from two different pens showing the same symptoms. Both are alert and aware, but neither can walk. They roosted on their perches last night, both were 100% fine this morning, and again 100% fine this afternoon. Tonight, when we went to lock them in for the night, I found two hens in this condition. Both are a good weight, both have been dewormed regularly, and neither of them have any abnormal poop. No respiratory issues and nothing in their mouths. Also, both laid an egg this evening. All other birds in both pens are completely fine.

The only thing different that I've done is give them a small handful of oats that I recently bought. It was not prepackaged from a store, and the only thing I can think of is that it had mold, even though it looks and smells completely fine.

Can someone please advise me what to do next? I gave a dose of Baytril to both girls in case it's a bacterial infection, but I don't know what else I can do. If it is a toxin, is there any way to mitigate the effects?

Food has been removed from all pens, and in the morning, we will clean and disinfect them before feeding.

I should also add that both are very strong and fought us hard when we gave them the antibiotics. They just seem uncoordinated.

Editing again...could it be a calcium deficiency? Both birds are laying fairly well right now, but both have eggs with nice, hard shells. And if it was an issue with calcium, it would seem weird that two birds would have the same issue at exactly the same time.

 

[KsKingBee]

I would love to know what is causing that as well. I have one hen that seemingly can't stand up but is bright and alert, good weight with a good appetite. When I inspected her for being egg bound she fought very hard and can use her legs to kick. I have seen similar hens in the past years, always with a bad ending.

 

[KsKingBee]

@casportpony

 

[SharW75]

What are the odds of two of mine having issues at exactly the same time? It has to be something environmental or food related for them both to have the same symptoms at the same time. I just checked them again--no change.

@KsKingBee , did your hen have a sudden onset like mine did? These birds were absolutely fine at least until 3 or 4 pm, which is the last time someone checked on them before putting them in for the night and finding them this way. Both girls laid an egg tonight, as well, so mine definitely aren't egg bound. I can tell you mine are strong, though. I gave them each a dose of Baytril, and they fought and kicked like tigers. They just can't stand.

 

[casportpony]

Read this thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/peahen-cant-walk.775090/post-11073843

 

[Waterfaery]

I'm sorry about your peahens. What an interesting read about the layer fatigue in casportpony's link. Hopefully that's what's going on and you can get them back on their feet.

I would be very careful about giving Baytril unless absolutely indicated. Make sure you follow it with plenty of probiotics.

 

[KsKingBee]

Read this thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/peahen-cant-walk.775090/post-11073843

Thanks, I'm not sure that's it, but I always value your advice. I do have calcium gluconate on hand, so I will tube her some in the morning. I am sure she is really thirsty, as she hasn't been able to get to the water bucket, and if she could, she couldn't stand to drink from it. I plan to give her ten ml orally and another five SQ.

 

[SharW75]

@KsKingBee how is your hen today? Mine are holding their own--definitely not worse, possibly a touch better. Still not walking, but maybe a little stronger. I bought calcium tablets (600mg) and will be giving them each one this evening. I also got probiotics and electrolytes, which can't hurt.

I've been wracking my brain about this, and now I'm not sure it was the food. It doesn't seem plausible that just two birds would have an issue. If they all ate the same thing, theoretically all of them should have been affected.

In your experience, has it always been a hen? I wonder if it has something to do with laying. My girls look absolutely awful the day before, and shortly after, laying an egg. Puffy, weak, just overall not well. Then they lay their egg, and after a little bit, they're fine. I'm wondering if it has something to do with the fact that they lay absolutely huge eggs, even for peafowl.

 

[KsKingBee]

Lil Bit is a mid to high Hybrid and also lays a very large egg compared to other hens which is interesting you mention your hen does also. I gave her 60ml of water today with 12ml of calcium gluconate plus another 4.0ml SQ. I have yet to go out and check on her. We had to take a newborn lamb to the vet an I talked to her about the possible calcium being the cause for the leg problem. It was her opinion that might be part of the problem but suggested that vitamin B12 should also be administered. I am going out now to give another tube feeding of water with B12 included. She can get to food but not water so I am making sure she is getting fluids.

 

[SharW75]

Ok, I may have a clue! Electra laid a soft shell egg today. We found it when we went out to administer the calcium to her and the other hen. I'm now thinking this is the issue--huge eggs and high producing hens. In my case, it just so happens two hens had the same issue at the same time.

I will also try the B12--heading out this evening to pick some up! Maybe we're on the right track!

Also--we gave each bird a 600mg calcium tablet this evening. Is that a one-time thing, or should we give another 600mg tomorrow? I've heard large birds can have up to 2000mg, so I want to make sure I'm giving them enough.

Here's a picture of the soft egg Electra laid.

I should also add that both hens have access to food and water, and both had full crops tonight when we gave them the calcium.