Seeking help with Sick Bird

[EasternPromise]

Hi all. Having trouble with one of my birds, as per below.

1. ) What type of bird , age and weight (does the chicken seem or feel lighter or thinner than the others.

Six month old Barnevelder. Normal side, perhaps a touch on the lighter side. She’s co-habiting with RSLs, Plymouth Rocks, Buff Orpingtons and Legbars – as is definitely near the bottom of the pecking order.

2) What is the behavior, exactly.

Lethargic walking, general lame-ness, and easily loses balance. Falls over and lays down to eat. Still has enough energy to get around, get out of coop. Etc.

3) How long has the bird been exhibiting symptoms?

Probably about one week

4) Are other birds exhibiting the same symptoms?

Luckily, no.

5) Is there any bleeding, injury, broken bones or other sign of trauma.

No sign, and feet look perfectly healthy.

6) What happened, if anything that you know of, that may have caused the situation.

No idea.

7) What has the bird been eating and drinking, if at all.

Eating organic egg layer mash, and free range of food scraps, plus free range in yard.

8) How does the poop look? Normal? Bloody? Runny? etc.

Don’t know.

9) What has been the treatment you have administered so far?

None. Making sure she has exclusive food and water that she isn’t competing for.

10 ) What is your intent as far as treatment? For example, do you want to treat completely yourself, or do you need help in stabilizing the bird til you can get to a vet?

Looking to treat myself; if vet is required I will probably put the bird down.

11) If you have a picture of the wound or condition, please post it. It may help.

N/A

12) Describe the housing/bedding in use

Justin Rhodes style chickshaw mobile coop with open (wire mesh) floor for dropping exit. Dropping buildup cleaned monthly.

Thanks Everyone!!

 

[coach723]

I would crate her separately for a few days to start. Monitor eating and drinking, and get a good look at droppings (pictures are welcome). I would give her a super B complex tablet or capsule once daily also (human ones, any pharmacy, grocery or box store should have them). If she's low in the pecking order and being kept from feed enough, that can cause deficiencies that can result in balance and other neurological symptoms. The B's are very safe to give.
Check her crop to see what it feels like, empty, full, hard, soft, squishy etc. Check first thing in the morning before she's eaten or drank, it should be empty then.
Once you see the droppings (clean towels or puppy pads in the crate are better for getting a good look at that), then we can see if that gives a clue.

 

[EasternPromise]

Thanks.
I've had her separated for a week and on full access to feed, plus electrolyte water. Poop looks healthy. Brown nuggets with white on top. No improvement. Will attempt the B complex and monitor crop.