- Sep 22, 2014
- 11
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I have a 6 month old BR-mix rooster that seems to have lost his balance. Before I cull this good-natured guy, I thought I’d try for some advice here.
I noticed him limping slightly 6 days ago, then realized he was unable to get onto the roost that evening, so I placed him indoors in the “hospital” kennel, thinking he had injured his leg somehow. The following morning, he was not able to stand…falling backwards when I lifted him up and off his haunches. His neck, wings, legs and feet are working (no paralysis) and he is able to hold his weight standing as long as I steady him. He is also using his legs to push-upwards and fluttering his wings to maneuver around the kennel to reach his food and water.
I have found no sign of injury, his eyes are clear, his comb is bright red and he is very alert…plus eating drinking and pooping. His poop is somewhat watery, but I have been pushing vitamin water and it is certainly not unusual for a stressed bird. Also, I have not seen any worms. I have not administered Corid - but I’m not sure about the quantity to give a single bird, so was concerned of making matters worse by overdosing.
Of course, I can’t rule-out Mareks, but it seems unlikely with his age, activity and especially since he is not getting worse after nearly a week. He’s lost a little weight, but again…not unusual for a stressed bird. Otherwise, he seems content (reminds me of a brooding hen sitting on a nest) and I’m 99% sure he’s not in pain.
The only thing out-of-the-ordinary I can think of is that I gave the flock a whole pumpkin the day these symptoms started, but all of the other birds are fine. I’m willing to give him a fighting chance, but if he’s not improving…I have to be realistic about my efforts and his quality of life.
Has anyone ever seen symptoms like this?
I noticed him limping slightly 6 days ago, then realized he was unable to get onto the roost that evening, so I placed him indoors in the “hospital” kennel, thinking he had injured his leg somehow. The following morning, he was not able to stand…falling backwards when I lifted him up and off his haunches. His neck, wings, legs and feet are working (no paralysis) and he is able to hold his weight standing as long as I steady him. He is also using his legs to push-upwards and fluttering his wings to maneuver around the kennel to reach his food and water.
I have found no sign of injury, his eyes are clear, his comb is bright red and he is very alert…plus eating drinking and pooping. His poop is somewhat watery, but I have been pushing vitamin water and it is certainly not unusual for a stressed bird. Also, I have not seen any worms. I have not administered Corid - but I’m not sure about the quantity to give a single bird, so was concerned of making matters worse by overdosing.
Of course, I can’t rule-out Mareks, but it seems unlikely with his age, activity and especially since he is not getting worse after nearly a week. He’s lost a little weight, but again…not unusual for a stressed bird. Otherwise, he seems content (reminds me of a brooding hen sitting on a nest) and I’m 99% sure he’s not in pain.
The only thing out-of-the-ordinary I can think of is that I gave the flock a whole pumpkin the day these symptoms started, but all of the other birds are fine. I’m willing to give him a fighting chance, but if he’s not improving…I have to be realistic about my efforts and his quality of life.
Has anyone ever seen symptoms like this?