SICK CHICKEN: YELLOW COMB and PARALYZED LEGS

[lasasj]

One of our chickens appears to be in pain. We let our chickens free during the day and last night when I put them inside I counted one less. I looked around the coop and our chicken was squawking as if in pain. I noticed her one leg appeared crooked/limp. I also noticed her comb is yellow. We brought her inside where it's warm. We're giving her some electrolytes and tlc but I have know idea what's going on. She sounds like she's in pain when we try to touch her. Also, she's only a few months old.

Anyone know what's causing her sickness?

Any suggestions to treat?

Anyone ever have something similar happen? If so, what was the outcome.

Thanks everyone,

Jasan

 

[Jimminy427]

that happened to one of my old hens. the comb for her was caused by not enough water and electrolytes. we brought her in and gave her Gatorade (they make actual chicken electrolytes but Gatorade works) and we had some powder probiotics and that helped. but idk about the leg. im sorry to hear about that

 

[seminolewind]

Is her leg twisted or broken?

 

[lasasj]

Her legs do not appear to be broken. It seems like an illness of some sort.

 

[seminolewind]

If she's a few months old, has paralysis, and a yellow comb, my first thought would be botulism, my 2nd thought would be Marek's. I know some people try to treat botulism with some watered down molasses.

 

[lasasj]

Ok. Thank you seminolewind. She doesn't seem very responsive to food or drink, and she's been laying on her side with her wing open now. She was one of four that hatched this fall. The other three seem fine. Hopefully this will get better. I don't have any molasses here, but I'll try to find a similar substitute. Any other suggestions for treatment?

 

[Eggcessive]

Her being in a lot of pain, and crying out sounds as if she was injured. Could she have been attacked? Are there any marks on her? The limp leg does sound a bit like Mareks disease, except for the pain, but I have never treated Mareks. I would isolate her in a cage where it is warm for the night, and make sure she can get to her food and water. Could you possibly take a a picture or two tomorrow of her leg and her comb?

 

[seminolewind]

Yes, a picture would be good. I wonder if the hen is paralyzed or injured? In any case, any supportive care is good. Food water, good treats, warmth.

 

[lasasj]

We put her inside this morning (in a kennel next to the kitchen radiator).

 

[lasasj]

We've dealt with injuries before on multiple occasions. I think this is a paralysis illness of some sort. New to me. We did introduce new chickens that were given to us about a week or two ago. They have since been separated in a different coop a few hundred feet apart. I'll look a little closer to see if there are any signs of an internal injury...