FlockofSummers
In the Brooder
- Nov 6, 2024
- 3
- 15
- 24
Hi Everyone,
I’m hoping someone here might have insights or guidance for a health issue I’m experiencing with one of my Rhode Island Reds, Dory, who is just about a year old.
Shortly after, Dory’s walking worsened—she began walking like a penguin and occasionally used her wing to catch herself. Concerned she might also have coccidiosis, we started her on Corid as a precaution, although she didn’t show the same symptoms as Henny.
For three weeks, both chickens stayed inside. Henny recovered well, and Dory showed slight improvement, standing more upright and walking better. During this time, Dory continued laying eggs, eating normally, and acting like herself—apart from her waddling walk.
Since then, Dory has struggled to balance or stand. When I try to help her stand, she falls over, and even sitting is difficult for her without tipping over.
She has continued to lay eggs (three so far) and eats normally, though her appetite has decreased over the last week. She now eats mostly in the evening. Her stool has changed as well—she’s pooping less, and some stools are black and liquidy.
While she appeared paralyzed at first, she now kicks and squirms when picked up. She will jump up and down when I'm holding her upright on the floor. However, she cannot balance or stand on her own.
Thank you for taking the time to read and for any suggestions or guidance you can offer!!
I've included a couple pictures of Dory in her wheelchair and a picture of how she lays on the ground after falling over.
Here are links to some videos of her as well.
- How she walked throughout November.
- Visit with Henny
-Visit with Henny, etc.
- Dory in her Chair.
- Dory's first day back inside.
I’m hoping someone here might have insights or guidance for a health issue I’m experiencing with one of my Rhode Island Reds, Dory, who is just about a year old.
Background Information
At the beginning of November, one of our other Rhode Island Reds, Henny, started acting strangely (puffed up, lethargic, wouldn’t eat, watery/bloody stool). We treated her with Corid for coccidiosis, and after a few days of care, she began to recover. During this time, I noticed Dory walking with a limp. I brought her inside for an examination and observed small black spots on her feet, so I started treating her for bumblefoot.Shortly after, Dory’s walking worsened—she began walking like a penguin and occasionally used her wing to catch herself. Concerned she might also have coccidiosis, we started her on Corid as a precaution, although she didn’t show the same symptoms as Henny.
For three weeks, both chickens stayed inside. Henny recovered well, and Dory showed slight improvement, standing more upright and walking better. During this time, Dory continued laying eggs, eating normally, and acting like herself—apart from her waddling walk.
Return to the Coop and Setback
By Thanksgiving, they both seemed ready to return to the coop. For three days, everything appeared fine. However, the Friday after Thanksgiving, I found Dory alone and limping severely. I brought her inside again, but there were no visible injuries. The next day, she could barely stand or walk, leading me to suspect she might be egg-bound. After a bath and close observation, she laid an egg but showed no improvement.Since then, Dory has struggled to balance or stand. When I try to help her stand, she falls over, and even sitting is difficult for her without tipping over.
Current Situation
Dory has been inside since November 29th. Initially, I thought a pinched nerve from egg-laying might be the issue, but she hasn’t improved. We built her a wheelchair and a sling to keep her upright and provide access to food and water. We transition her between the chair and a cushioned seat throughout the day for comfort. When in the chair, she will have her feet on the ground but occasionally, pulls up one or both and just "hangs'.She has continued to lay eggs (three so far) and eats normally, though her appetite has decreased over the last week. She now eats mostly in the evening. Her stool has changed as well—she’s pooping less, and some stools are black and liquidy.
While she appeared paralyzed at first, she now kicks and squirms when picked up. She will jump up and down when I'm holding her upright on the floor. However, she cannot balance or stand on her own.
Additional Observations
- This past week, we've had Henny come in and visit with her to make sure she doesn't get depressed. She seems happier when she sees her.
- She’s been receiving Poultry Cell in her water, leg exercises, and time in a chicken sling to encourage movement. Despite these efforts, she has not tried to walk.
- Her demeanor is less vocal than usual, but she’s still alert and shakes her tail feathers occasionally.
Thank you for taking the time to read and for any suggestions or guidance you can offer!!
I've included a couple pictures of Dory in her wheelchair and a picture of how she lays on the ground after falling over.
Here are links to some videos of her as well.
