Stumbling chicken

[Brownfoxfarmchickens]

Hey guys! I’m new here and we need help! One of my about 6-7 mo lavender Orpington hens is stumbling around, off balance. Anytime she leans forward to peck or tries to walk/run, she ends up falling face first. She often flaps to sit back up and seems to go backwards better than forward. She spends most of her day backed up to something to balance on and eating/drinking what she can around her, separated from the flock. she has no discernible lumps, bumps, runny eyes, discoloration. No signs of bumble foot. We had an old neurological chicken earlier in the year, who was knuckling— not righting her feet at all and ended up essentially paralyzed in days and was put down. This was back in June. We have been supplementing her with apple cider vinegar, B vitamin, probiotics and I’ve even tried a tiny bit of aspirin to see if it was something painful. It’s been 4 days now and no change. Any other suggestions? Thanks in advance!!

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.

Can you take a few clear pictures of each eye?

Do you know what Marek's disease is?

 

[Brownfoxfarmchickens]

Yes! I will in the morning. I’m at work overnight. And yes, unfortunately I know about Mareks. I’m crossing my fingers about her, she’s our young and sweet Yara Greyjoy! There are not many poultry vets in my area— last time around with our old bird, no one was very helpful, so though I’m not opposed to a vet visit, I think everyone’s pool of knowledge here could be helpful too!!

 

[Brownfoxfarmchickens]

Things have gotten worse. She can’t get up at all now and when you try to assist her in standing now it’s like she doesn’t know where she is in space and flaps incessantly until she flops sideways.

 

[Kiki]

Things have gotten worse. She can’t get up at all now and when you try to assist her in standing now it’s like she doesn’t know where she is in space and flaps incessantly until she flops sideways.

I am so sorry.

 

[Eggcessive]

So sorry about your pullet. I would be more hopeful if you hadn’t lost another a few months ago with neurological symptoms. Mareks disease can have many different symptoms, and each bird is affected differently depending on the strain. I had a hen last year who lost her balance and couldn’t walk without falling backward or wobbling onto her side. It turned out that it wasn’t Mareks, and she later could walk again after 5 weeks of feeding and rehab. My hen could move her legs and stand, but just could not stay upright. I hope your pullet gets better with vitamins, and feeding/watering her. A chicken sling might be helpful to get her upright. If you should lose her, I would recommend getting a necropsy by your state poultry vet to look for a cause, and test for Mareks. Here is a link about homemade chicken slings and a list of state vets to contact:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/

https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

Here is a link about Mareks:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

 

[Brownfoxfarmchickens]

I am so sorry.

Thanks, @Texas Kiki . just wish I knew how to help her!

 

[Brownfoxfarmchickens]

Thanks, @Eggcessive . I’m not sure if these gals ever received any vaccinations in the first place as we got them basically third-hand. Is there any use in vaccinating now? Obviously not the ill one, Yara...

 

[Kiki]

Thanks, @Texas Kiki . just wish I knew how to help her!

Unfortunately
I don't think there is a way you can help her to get better.

It might be best if you help end her suffering.

 

[Kiki]

Thanks, @Eggcessive . I’m not sure if these gals ever received any vaccinations in the first place as we got them basically third-hand. Is there any use in vaccinating now? Obviously not the ill one, Yara...

You didn't ask me but I'm here now so I'll go ahead and answer...
No the vaccine would do no good now It must be given at hatch time.