Sick pullet- Please help

[CHIC]

My pullet started out kinda weak this morning and was pretty lethargic but i thought she just might be sleepy or something... When I went back out to check on her, she could barely keep her head up and one of her legs was bent out like it was broken. When I picked her up, it was like she was paralyzed. I carefully examined the leg to see if it was broken and it was limp like a noodle all over. I brought her into the house to quarantene her but I really don't know what else to do. She seems a little better but I don't know how long that might last. Please help!

 

[cjeanean]

How old is the chicken??? Since you have her quarantined in the house I would suggest first putting food and water in front of her and seeing if she'll eat and drink. A chicken can survive with only one leg (I know from experience!) so a leg isn't a huge issue. Other than that, vitamins (baby's iron-free poly-vis-il) and electrolytes to start out with. Good luck, and hopefully someone else here will be able to help more!!!

 

[Nivrocco]

I'm not really sure...maybe Mareks? I wish you the best of luck with your pullet..My dad is putting a chick down for me tomorrow that has been sick. I don't know what it has but I don't want my flock to get it.

 

[CHIC]

Thanks for the input! The person I got her from didn't know how old she was, but I might guess around 8-12 weeks. Its not just the leg, she just seems paralyzed on one whole side. She does have food and water and she has taken both. When I got her I didn't really know a thing about chickens. I was feeding her off the ground in her run. I read that that can make them very sick. Oh yeah, I first found blood in the poo. Any other suggestions.

 

[CHIC]

So sorry to her about your sick chicken. I might die if I had to put down this one. I love her dearly. She is quarantined.. I guess I will just have to let nature take its course to see what happens

 

[CHIC]

Any more suggestions?

 

[PollyWaddle]

I followed a thread on this same issue last month, and many folks thought it might be botulism. Try searching on that topic to see what helped -- I think they did an epsom salt wash followed by electrolytes. Good Luck!

 

[CHIC]

Weirdest thing, the chicken seemed close to death yesterday, I was sure it was gonna die. This morning its much better and can walk, not very well, But it can!

 

[LynneP]

I would keep this bird separated, and you should check the symptoms of coccidiosis. This disease is often confused with others because the symptoms can be so varied. If it proves to be cocci (vet can do a floatation on droppings) you will need to treat the flock and do a thorough cleanout of the coop.

http://msucares.com/poultry/diseases/disproto.htm

 

[CHIC]

Thanks LynneP. This is the same disease I was suspicious of. I hope he gets better soon. He seems to just be getting better and better. And none of the other birds seem to be sick at all so maybe I will get lucky.