Rooster acting like he is drunk - please help.

[peep2]

Thank you again. Sometimes I feel so helpless when I look at him. When we first got him he wouldn't come near, would rush around the coop, jump up on the highest object and crow.

 

[chickenzoo]

I would worm with safeguard, keep vitamins in his water, add some vit E and see if in time it improves if you are willing to care for him and he is not in pain or depressed. One leg may be smaller because of muscle deterioration due to lack of use. Perhaps making him a chicken chair............. do a search and it will show you how I made one.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I had a rooster who would act drunk. His head would swivel, he'd walk in circles and fall over. He only did this when the weather was cold (he was 6 years old). He just died about 2 weeks ago, and had these symptoms off and on for almost 2 years. He died in his sleep on the roost bar and none of my other birds had any of these symptoms so I just chalked it up to old age, a bump on the head at some point or a neurological disease. Hope you figure out what wrong with your boy. Good luck!

 

[peep2]

Thank you again for the suggestions and thoughts. I have looked at the 'chicken chair' and the concept seems to be workable - even with my limited talents

I will try the deworming process as well I have been making up some electrolytes but will also get him some vitamins and see if that helps the wee fellow. Every night we place him in a laundry basket with a straw nest made which sits upon a towel, which sets upon a hot water bottle. In the morning I have been given him some warm porridge along with his other feed. Here's hoping he returns to his quirky self soon.

 

[Sjisty]

Have you checked his ears? I have a rooster who was walking slowly and seemed "off" about a year ago. In checking him over, I felt one of his ear flaps was sticking out farther than the other. When I looked underneath, I could see it was full of what looked like "Velveeta cheese." (Sorry, but that's exactly the consistency and color of it - I haven't eaten any since). The ear seemed to be packed with it. I cleaned it out for about a week, removing the cheesy substance and washing the ear with peroxide. It cleared up and he's been fine ever since.

 

[peep2]

Thank you once again. It is a wonderful forum to be able to come and ask a question and have so many people respond and care. Thank you. I haven't checked his ears but I will. I am open to any suggestions as I really wish to see him return to the way he was. Till then I continue to tuck him gently at night in his own little nest basket but this weekend I am hoping to make a chicken chair. And I can understand how his muscles will fade away if not used. When I felt his feet this evening they were warm and he is able to move them up and down, just not stand properly.

 

[chickenscott]

Hi - I have had a hen with the same sort of thing. I found that one of her wattles on the right side was swollen. She was eating ok but falling on her right side. I did not see anything that said it was anything but a sinius or ear thing. I am hesitant to cut it and drain. I put her on rooster booster and a medicated feed for the past 2 weeks. She is perky and lays and eats and is a pest but is still falling some. I do not know what to do and no one has given any advise that seemed to work. I did not worm so I think that is next. I would be interested if anything like this helps for you. Please email me if you can to let me know your findings.

 

[angel 22]

I HAVE ROOSTER THAT WAS REALLY SICK.,. NOW HES MUCH BETTER.,.,. WELL NOT SO MUCH I THINK I GAVE HEN TOMUCH MEDECIN BECAUSE HES ACTING DRUNK HE OUT BALANCE I NEED HELP PLEASE I DONT WANT TO KILL MY ROOSTER