Trouble standing

[Susan48]

One of my Austrolorps, about 1 year old, is having trouble standing. About 5-6 days ago I noticed she was laying down a lot and not scratching as much. I watched her and noticed she seemed to have a slight hitch in her walk. I looked at her and could see nothing wrong, but now she is very unsteady and lays down quite a bit. She is eating and drinking normally and even laying. She is molting and has lost most of her back and side feathers. I am at a loss to help her. Anyone know what is going on with her?? Please let me know. Thank you!!!!

 

[Michael Apple]

One of my Austrolorps, about 1 year old, is having trouble standing. About 5-6 days ago I noticed she was laying down a lot and not scratching as much. I watched her and noticed she seemed to have a slight hitch in her walk. I looked at her and could see nothing wrong, but now she is very unsteady and lays down quite a bit. She is eating and drinking normally and even laying. She is molting and has lost most of her back and side feathers. I am at a loss to help her. Anyone know what is going on with her?? Please let me know. Thank you!!!!

It sounds like your hen is dealing with a nutrient deficiency. Moulting is tougher for some birds than others, and the nutrient stores get depleted, especially if a hen is still laying during moult. Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids are important during this time. Here is an example of what you can use, without having to buy numerous ingredients to formulate yourself: http://www.foyspigeonsupplies.com/vitamins-minerals/2603-foys-ultra-pro

This is also an excellent supplement: http://www.jedds.com/-strse-1798/AVIO-MOULT-400g-(Aviomed)/Detail.bok

 

[Susan48]

Thank you for your quick reply!!! All that I read did not fit her, but your suggestion makes sense. I just ordered the supplement from Jedds since I could not locate it locally,. With 2nd day shipping, it was expensive, but our girls are worth it. Here's hoping this does the trick and thanks again!!!!

 

[WindStep]

Huh she is a young bird I've had this happen to my old birds before they died.

 

[Michael Apple]

Thank you for your quick reply!!! All that I read did not fit her, but your suggestion makes sense. I just ordered the supplement from Jedds since I could not locate it locally,. With 2nd day shipping, it was expensive, but our girls are worth it. Here's hoping this does the trick and thanks again!!!!

You're welcome. Hopefully there isn't some weakening of the immune system enough that a secondary infection (usually intestinal) is taking place. Not something to fear, just consider. I've had birds that were "hard moulters", meaning they blow most of their feathers all at once, and become very stressed as a result. They can even become anemic if they go off feed for awhile during moult. This puts them at risk to disease with a weakened immune system. Some folks supplement extra protein by mixing in gamebird pellets, or some other additional protein to the average 16% layer ration, and mix vitamins in the water. That may work with average birds, but not if they go off feed or have complications.

I think it is best to cover all bases with a food or water supplement like those I mentioned. It is more practical to me instead of trying to formulate something myself. There are other good moult supplements out there, but I have used AvioMoult and saw a big difference in recovery time with a hard moulter the second time around. The average feed store would have no idea in regard to well balanced supplements. There's quite a bit of junk being sold at feed stores these days.