Rooster Wobbling, falling over and can't seem to stand up properly

[Catwings]

I have an English Porcelain rooster who is several years old. When I went to feed yesterday morning, he was limping pretty badly. I picked him up and examined his leg and didn't see any damage at all and it did not seem to hurt him. I brought him in and put him in my kennel and put food and water. I added Tetracycline to the water as it seemed like he had some respiratory distress. I gave him some water and went to work. didn't get home till very late last night, and he was sitting and seemed to be breathing normally. I could tell he had eater and looked like he drank some water. I turned the light off and left him. This morning, he is very wobbly and sort of falls over when he tries to move around. I stood him up and he ate like a little pig. Any ideas? He seems fine today except for the wobbly business. I'm thinking I will put electrolytes in his water today and see how he does. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! This forum has been my go-to place for problems since I discovered it - yall helped me save my turkey's life and she is doing great now! Thanks!!

 

[ten chicks]

Sounds like a possible leg injury. Is he using wings for balance and can you determine which leg it is? Is he walking low to ground on hocks? If he is using wings for balance check the opposite leg from the side he is using wing on. Run your thumbs up and down leg,see if there is any swelling.

Could also be a slipped tendon. To check for a slipped tendon,run thumbs down back of leg from hip to shank,press down if tendon has slipped it will feel loose/springy,compare to another bird so you can feel the difference.

 

[Vista Winds]

Good morning,
I have been reading post for two days trying to figure out what's up with my rooster. Your post is similar to what I am dealing with. I'd like to know what you did for your boy and if he made it through?

My "Bron" is a 3 year old very large dark Bramha. Side note all my hens are fine so this is only effecting my rooster. Thinking back, roughly 6 weeks ago, I would notice him sitting in the shade while the girls were out on the grass. When I went out to check on him he would get up and move out to the girls. Then I noticed when he would lean forward to eat he would lose his balance, but recover. I noticed him sitting down to eat scratch. As he continued to eat, drink and move around the yard with the girls I associated this with his size and age. (This is my first flock).
He has become more unstable. Wobbles when he gets up. Once up he walks pretty much like he always has for a large chicken. I've read so many post my head is swimming. I have bought liquid vitamins and started him this morning. I've increased his protein intake with cat food and dried mealworms.
I have spoken to someone who has had chickens in my area for many years. She said she had a rooster "do" the same thing, around the same age, she and her husband associated his neurological condition to a stroke.
I would appreciate any advice you may have for me.
Thank you,
Alison

 

[Catwings]

I am sorry to say that a couple of days after I posted my question, my little guy died. I only tried the tetracycline as I stated, then gave him some electrolytes. But he never got to where he could even stand up. I hope your problem is different and that yours recovers. Sorry I can't give you sage advice - good luck!!

 

[Vista Winds]

Thank you for the reply. He's holding his own, such as it is. He's such a "sweet boy". Never has been aggressive, will still gently eat from my hand. I would miss him dearly.

 

[Catwings]

I know the feeling - mine are my babies!!! I will hold good thoughts for you and for him.