Something is wrong with my pullet

[thumper362]

I have a pullet Ms Cleo who was fine yesterday and now she is lethargic, when she stands it's as if her legs aren't working right and she can barely hold her head up when you touch her back side she makes the saddest noise like you are hurting her.

She never lets me hold her like this. Can someone please give me an idea as to what is wrong with her and what if anything I can do for her.

 

[Wyandottes7]

Is it possible that she came into contact with a dead animal or moldy food? A sudden onset of weakness, inability to walk/lift neck, are some signs of Botulism poisoning. Botulism comes on suddenly and often causes paralyisis like this.

If it is Botulism, you'd need to act quickly. I"d prepare a molasses flush (4 tablespoons molasses to one quart of water). Get as much of this solution into her as you can. The object is to move the poison along in her symptoms as fast as possible.

Here are some links on Botulism in birds:

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/19/botulism
http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/poultry/botulism/overview_of_botulism_in_poultry.html
http://beautyofbirds.com/botulism.html
http://www.mypetchicken.com/backyard-chickens/chicken-help/Botulism-Overview-H267.aspx

 

[thumper362]

Thank you for the quick response.

 

[thumper362]

I was able to get some of this mix into her and isolated her from the rest of the flock. I guess all I can do is just keep trying to give her the mix throughout the night and hope for the best.

 

[thumper362]

Just an update Ms Cleo made it through last night and today. I have been giving her doses of the molasses mix all day. She keeps trying to stand up and move around but I am keeping her confined to a dog crate. She had eaten today, guess that is a good sign.

 

[thumper362]

Well Ms Cleo has taken a turn for the worse

not sure she is going to make it through the night. She hasn't eaten at all today, I did however manage to get some water in her.

 

[BantamLover21]

I'm sorry Cleo is not doing well.

It is always hard to have a sick bird, and not know what is wrong.

 

[hennible]

You could tube feed her possible.

 

[thumper362]

She had some eggs late last night and I have been giving her water, but she seems to be getting weaker and weaker.

 

[toynutz]

How old is she? Is she laying? Is she breathing okay? Does her comb feel hot? Does she free-range?