Quail on side, won't stand

[gummylick]

I woke up to find one of my quail laying on side. She kicks, moves wings, but will not stand. I've separated her, the rest of them look fine, it was just her laying on her side. Anything I can do for her or will I have to unfortunately put her down?

She and the covey are in a 5x1' wooden enclosure with a enclosed cubby on one side and open side with wire floor on other. They are about 3-4 months old.

 

[Nabiki]

The two most common things that cause these kinds of symptoms in my experience are head injury or malnutrition. So...

How high is their space?
What are you feeding them?

 

[gummylick]

1 foot high and Purina Gamebird Starter

 

[Nabiki]

It's still possible that she hit her head. I've seen quail flush into the sides of a pen. I would give her some Nutri-Drench for an energy boost, a bit of boiled, crushed egg yolk to boost her protein for a bit, then watch her over the next few days.

If she doesn't improve after those few days, then you will need to make the decision on whether or not to cull.

 

[gummylick]

It's still possible that she hit her head. I've seen quail flush into the sides of a pen. I would give her some Nutri-Drench for an energy boost, a bit of boiled, crushed egg yolk to boost her protein for a bit, then watch her over the next few days.

If she doesn't improve after those few days, then you will need to make the decision on whether or not to cull.

Thanks!

 

[gummylick]

Just a follow up for future searches... Quail could move legs, wings but kept itself on side or back, unable to stand even with assistance. Eyes clear, breathing slow.

She made it through night unable to do water or food, I dispatched her this morning. Upon dispatching, neck was curved backwards and stiff. Pretty sure that's a broken neck.

Just sharing as I was aware this happens with them but not familiar with what the injury may look like.

 

[Nabiki]

Thanks for the update. It sounds like she did, in fact, hit her head, hard enough to break her neck. I'm sorry for your loss.