- May 1, 2012
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Hello,
I've had Dotty - a beautiful laced Polish cross bantam - for about 10 weeks (approx 4 months old now) and she is getting progressively worse.
Symptoms are gradual onset of paralysis - she has a great appetite but doesn't seem to be drinking much. Her poo's appear fine - not runny or white / yellow - normal.
After reading other posts I've tried to "force" some water into her with a syringe to the mouth but she was not at all compliant and it didn't seem worth repeating for the small amount that did go in.
She is very happy to eat though.
I had noticed her behaving differently - much more timid and not willing to come out at free ranging time, she had had a fright when a dog chased her - then 7 days ago one of her wings was drooping. Next day noticed she was limping. I separated her from the others. She's progressively worsened and now can't really move herself. I have her propped up with hay in a box (with access to water and food) in the sun as it was cold in the shed / enclosure I had her in.
My initial reserach had me suspecting Mareks' disease (based on symptoms) but then read they rarely survive more than 48 hours.
Could it be botulism? or some kind of food / mould poisoning? I have noticed mouse droppings in the hen house.
No signs of wounds or lice etc.
I haven't wormed recently - could worms cause these symptoms? Is it worth worming her now?
None of the other chickens (6) show any signs of illness or off colour.
Any advice greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
I've had Dotty - a beautiful laced Polish cross bantam - for about 10 weeks (approx 4 months old now) and she is getting progressively worse.
Symptoms are gradual onset of paralysis - she has a great appetite but doesn't seem to be drinking much. Her poo's appear fine - not runny or white / yellow - normal.
After reading other posts I've tried to "force" some water into her with a syringe to the mouth but she was not at all compliant and it didn't seem worth repeating for the small amount that did go in.
She is very happy to eat though.
I had noticed her behaving differently - much more timid and not willing to come out at free ranging time, she had had a fright when a dog chased her - then 7 days ago one of her wings was drooping. Next day noticed she was limping. I separated her from the others. She's progressively worsened and now can't really move herself. I have her propped up with hay in a box (with access to water and food) in the sun as it was cold in the shed / enclosure I had her in.
My initial reserach had me suspecting Mareks' disease (based on symptoms) but then read they rarely survive more than 48 hours.
Could it be botulism? or some kind of food / mould poisoning? I have noticed mouse droppings in the hen house.
No signs of wounds or lice etc.
I haven't wormed recently - could worms cause these symptoms? Is it worth worming her now?
None of the other chickens (6) show any signs of illness or off colour.
Any advice greatly appreciated!
Thanks.
