Rooster is leaning

[Britt_chick]

Hello! I'm new to this site and new to owning backyard chickens.
I have a Barred Rock rooster who hadn't been himself for about 2 weeks. It started with a small lean every now and again. He leans to the right when he walks or stands. Now it's not just a lean, he also doesn't seem to have great balance. I've noticed he hunches down a lot too. Just the front of his body. Almost like he's dipping down the the ground. He was standing up against the coop today and was leaning on the wire for support.
He seems to be eating and drinking just fine. He's also still crowing

I'm not sure what's wrong or how to fix it.

 

[hannahsflock]

I've had the same thing with one of my Chocolate Orpington roosters. I tried everything with him, but he didn't pull through. He did stop crowing though, and had respiratory symptoms too.

I would give him some oyster shells separate from his feed, for calcium, as well as some apple cider vinegar in his water. Chickweed has also really worked in the past for me.

Have you checked his legs for any signs of injury? It might be an injury rather than an illness.

 

[Britt_chick]

I did check his feet and legs... pulled on the legs a little to see if there was any popping. Everything seems fine and looks normal.
I'll get oyster shells tomorrow morning and see what that does. Im thinking abkut bringing him inside and watching him.

 

[hannahsflock]

I did check his feet and legs... pulled on the legs a little to see if there was any popping. Everything seems fine and looks normal.
I'll get oyster shells tomorrow morning and see what that does. Im thinking abkut bringing him inside and watching him.

I think it's a good idea to bring him inside for a while and keep an eye on him.

 

[Eggcessive]

I wouldn't give oyster shell, since that is extra calcium a rooster doesn't require, especially if he eats layer feed which already has extra calcium for the hens' eggs. He may have just injured himself, but I would touch his toes and feet to see if one side is numb or becoming paralyzed as can happen in Mareks disease. Sprains and broken bones can be common with all of the jumping chickens do. Look at his foot pads for any signs of bumblefoot scab or a cut. Look for any swelling of the ankle or hocks. It might be best to cage him with food and water near his hens to limit his activity for a week or two, to see if it improves. I would probably dissolve a vitamin B complex tablet into his water or crush it into his food daily.

 

[hannahsflock]

I wouldn't give oyster shell, since that is extra calcium a rooster doesn't require, especially if he eats layer feed which already has extra calcium for the hens' eggs. He may have just injured himself, but I would touch his toes and feet to see if one side is numb or becoming paralyzed as can happen in Mareks disease. Sprains and broken bones can be common with all of the jumping chickens do. Look at his foot pads for any signs of bumblefoot scab or a cut. Look for any swelling of the ankle or hocks. It might be best to cage him with food and water near his hens to limit his activity for a week or two, to see if it improves. I would probably dissolve a vitamin B complex tablet into his water or crush it into his food daily.

Very good info. I understand about the oyster shells only really being necessary for hens. I have a hen who is limping quite a bit at the moment, so I'm going to give her a once over again.