Unable to Stand? UPDATE. Tried to reintroduce her and now she is back inside

[RedTailRanch6]

Symptoms: Unable to stand. Floppy wings. Regularly has right eye closed.

Effected Chicken: 7 month old Silver Wyandotte.

Flock Background: 6 pullets of varying breeds, all about 6/7 months old. Just started getting about 3 eggs/day last week so some have started laying.

Environment: Dry, days 70-80 degrees, nights 55-65 degrees. 200' elevation.

Coop/Run: Large 20x20 run with a 6x6x6 coop. Multi-level with nest boxes

Food/Water: Consistent/easy access to fresh water and organic lay crumbles. Less than one handful per day of organic scratch.

Story: I came home from work to greet my chickens and noticed that Navi (effected chicken) was on her side. I thought she might have been taking a dust bath, but she tried to rise and was unable to. She then crawled/flapped over to my feet. I picked her up and was unable to find any signs of injury or any other symptoms that would make me think she was sick/inured. Her cloaca is clean, her comb and wattle are bright and her eyes are bright (except when the right one is closed.)

She does not show signs of discomfort and is sitting in the living room on a towel looking around brightly, preening herself, and clucking calmly. She does sometimes half-stand/squat to turn her angle. The only potentially odd behavior I see is that she is preening/pecking at/pulling on the towel she is seated on.

Any and all help is very much appreciated. I will have my computer on to check the forum, email at [email protected], or call/text 408-234-9189.

I would have taken her to the vet but none around see chickens.

 

[RedTailRanch6]

Here are some photos.

 

[Corbe]

I have a older hen that has the similar symptoms, but is too weak to clean herself. She hasn't eaten all afternoon. Her breathing is shallow. Giving her colloidal silver and Cayenne pepper. She is very weak. Hoping someone will have advice on what may help her recovery. Thank you. WmL

 

[RedTailRanch6]

She has now been sitting for over an hour without pooping. Not sure if that is a symptom/sign or what? Based off my parrot, I would have thought they would poop more often but I guess I can't say for sure. Please, any insight welcome.

 

[RedTailRanch6]

She has gone rigid with her legs and is shaking a bit. She is now stuck on her side. I assume she is dying but any input...please.

 

[Crs1]

I am sorry that I can't help with your question but if you go to askthechickendoctor.com. He does consultation over the phone for a fee

Hope you find out some info

 

[Eggcessive]

Mareks disease could be a problem, especially if she wasn't vaccinated for it. It can cause lameness in one or both legs, wings, or a drooping or twisted neck. Loss of balance or using wings to balance may be signs. Curled toe paralysis or sitting on hocks can be a sign. Lying on the side or the back unable to get up may be a sign. Other diseases that could cause paralysis in legs is botulism from eating a dead animal or fish carcass, moldy food, or chemical/lead poisoning. Also never rule out it being an injury. Start some poultry vitamins and electrolytes in her water right away in case of a vitamin deficiency. Here are some links to read about Mareks:
https://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000791_Rep813.pdf
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq

 

[mg15]

I hope she gets better, what a beautiful hen. It is awful to experience this and for your girl I am so sorry. I always give Nutri Drench just incase ....and water with a syringe. The Drench directly in the mouth no dilution.
I don't know if that will help.
mg

 

[Eggcessive]

If there is a riboflavin (vitamin B2)deficiency, Nutri-Drench does not contain it--why I don't know, and have asked the company that makes it, but avoid it for lameness.

 

[RedTailRanch6]

Thank you all for your insights and kind words.

I was able to get her to drink water and got some calcium in her. After that, she pooped twice but still was not getting up.

I did the hour drive to the emergency vet/specialist since no one local could help. She is staying the night until the expert gets in tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, she fears mareks. I had thought that this would be something hatcheries vaccinate for? All of my chicks came from the most respected feed store in the area and I was under the impression chicks were vaccinated.