- Nov 23, 2013
- 10
- 9
- 77
Hi all, we could really use some ideas here. We have been scouring the internet since this incident happened, and nothing seems to be helping. Also, if this sounds like Marek's please let us know if there are specific things to look for, as the condition of our hen is not worsening.
Thanks!
-Janae
1) What type of bird , age and weight (does the chicken seem or feel lighter or thinner than the others.)
18 week old, barred rock, pullet
uncertain of weight, about the same size as other pullet her age
2) What is the behavior, exactly.
Found her on her side in the morning on the floor of the chicken coop 6 days ago. She moves her legs when she is picked up, like she is trying to walk. She will also flap both of her wings, and she wiggles her tail. Everything seems to be working independently, but she cannot balance and stand up. When I sit her down on her feet, she falls over on her side. She will fall onto either side. Once she is on her side, she will paddle with her feet to push herself forward. I have been keeping her indoors in a bowl padded by towels to keep her upright. She has been eating, drinking, and pooping.
3) How long has the bird been exhibiting symptoms?
6 days
4) Are other birds exhibiting the same symptoms?
no - we have 5 other chickens and all of them live together. No other chickens are affected. We raised 3 from chicks last spring (1 barred rock and 2 black australorps) and added 3 to the flock 3 weeks ago (2 barred rocks - now 18 weeks old, and 1 black australorp - now 26 weeks old).
5) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma.
noticed a small bruise on the bottom of her keel
6) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation.
unknown. Everything was normal the previous evening.
7) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all.
Previous to her condition we were feeding chick starter and she was free ranging. Now that she is confined, she is eating chick starter and is being offered some fruit as treats. We have been giving her polyvisol drops, and electrolyte water. She seems to be eating less now than a few days ago, but she is still eating and drinking on her own.
8) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc.
Brown and runny.
9) What has been the treatment you have administered so far?
see number 7
10 ) What is your intent as far as treatment? For example, do you want to treat completely yourself, or do you need help in stabilizing the bird til you can get to a vet?
Would prefer to treat myself, but a vet is not out of the question.
11) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help.
12) Describe the housing/bedding in use
Chicken coop has pine shavings on the floor and in the nest boxes. She is now being kept wrapped in cotton towels.
Thanks!
-Janae
1) What type of bird , age and weight (does the chicken seem or feel lighter or thinner than the others.)
18 week old, barred rock, pullet
uncertain of weight, about the same size as other pullet her age
2) What is the behavior, exactly.
Found her on her side in the morning on the floor of the chicken coop 6 days ago. She moves her legs when she is picked up, like she is trying to walk. She will also flap both of her wings, and she wiggles her tail. Everything seems to be working independently, but she cannot balance and stand up. When I sit her down on her feet, she falls over on her side. She will fall onto either side. Once she is on her side, she will paddle with her feet to push herself forward. I have been keeping her indoors in a bowl padded by towels to keep her upright. She has been eating, drinking, and pooping.
3) How long has the bird been exhibiting symptoms?
6 days
4) Are other birds exhibiting the same symptoms?
no - we have 5 other chickens and all of them live together. No other chickens are affected. We raised 3 from chicks last spring (1 barred rock and 2 black australorps) and added 3 to the flock 3 weeks ago (2 barred rocks - now 18 weeks old, and 1 black australorp - now 26 weeks old).
5) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma.
noticed a small bruise on the bottom of her keel
6) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation.
unknown. Everything was normal the previous evening.
7) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all.
Previous to her condition we were feeding chick starter and she was free ranging. Now that she is confined, she is eating chick starter and is being offered some fruit as treats. We have been giving her polyvisol drops, and electrolyte water. She seems to be eating less now than a few days ago, but she is still eating and drinking on her own.
8) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc.
Brown and runny.
9) What has been the treatment you have administered so far?
see number 7
10 ) What is your intent as far as treatment? For example, do you want to treat completely yourself, or do you need help in stabilizing the bird til you can get to a vet?
Would prefer to treat myself, but a vet is not out of the question.
11) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help.
12) Describe the housing/bedding in use
Chicken coop has pine shavings on the floor and in the nest boxes. She is now being kept wrapped in cotton towels.
