Unbalanced "drunk" behavior.

[Laura Boyer]

My rooster cannot stand or walk without tipping to one side or the other. He is not eating fermented fruit. We have tried electrolyte/vitamin water. He is eating and drinking. No diarrhea or lethargy. He likes to sit by the heater.

 

[Free Spirit]

There are several things that can elicit this behavior. How many days has it been so far? How much is he actually eating? When was the last time he was wormed?

One thing to check first is his feet. Look them over and check carefully for any cuts, scrapes, sores of any kind to make sure it's not just a foot injury or bumblefoot. The next is to check the poop for any abnormalities including color. Is there any blood? for example.

One possibility is that he has eaten something toxic and could possibly be hardware poisoning from eating zinc or lead or botulism from mold. If that is the case then you will want to get a flush on him right away. Instructions:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/700526/flushes-for-aiding-in-toxin-removal

After the flush you will want to get him on electrolytes and probiotics again to replenish what the flush will remove.

 

[Eggcessive]

My rooster cannot stand or walk without tipping to one side or the other. He is not eating fermented fruit. We have tried electrolyte/vitamin water. He is eating and drinking. No diarrhea or lethargy. He likes to sit by the heater.

Welcome to BYC. How old is he? Was he vaccinated for Mareks disease? Since his symptoms sound like they are neurological, I would suspect either Mareks or dehydration. Since he is chilling, keep him warm, and look for any respiratory symptoms such as nasal or eye drainage or gasping. Could he have injured his head? Is he moving his legs, toes, and wings normally when you touch them?

 

[Laura Boyer]

Thank you for your response. His feet are free of cuts or blemishes and he does not have blood in his droppings. I have researched on the internet and found information on Marek's disease, and about six other things that it could be. We are going to treat for everything that it could be. We have vitamin/electrolyte water and water with cider vinegar. We also have DE and dirt in their bath container. They free range in the woods on the old farmstead. we have found very, very small metal pieces from old cans and such with our magnet. We are hoping it is not metal ingestion. His eyes are good and his pupils are round and dark. He is six months old and has not been vaccinated. We will try antibiotics next. Thank you for the flush link. We will try that! I love Backyard Chicken people!!!!!!

 

[Laura Boyer]

Thank you for your response. His feet are free of cuts or blemishes and he does not have blood in his droppings. I have researched on the internet and found information on Marek's disease, and about six other things that it could be. We are going to treat for everything that it could be. We have vitamin/electrolyte water and water with cider vinegar. We also have DE and dirt in their bath container. They free range in the woods on the old farmstead. we have found very, very small metal pieces from old cans and such with our magnet. We are hoping it is not metal ingestion. His eyes are good and his pupils are round and dark. He is six months old and has not been vaccinated. We will try antibiotics next. I have information from a flush link. We will try that! His wings seem to work.

 

[Laura Boyer]

Thank you for your responses. His feet are free of cuts or blemishes and he does not have blood in his droppings. I have researched on the internet and found information on Marek's disease and about six other things that it could be. We are going to treat for everything that it could be. We have vitamin/electrolyte water and water with cider vinegar. We also have DE and dirt in their bath container. They free range in the woods on the old farmstead. we have found very, very small metal pieces from old cans and such with our magnet. We are hoping it is not metal ingestion. His eyes are good and his pupils are round and dark. He is six months old and has not been vaccinated. Thank you for the flush link. We will try that next and then antibiotics after that. I love BYC people!!!!!!

 

[Free Spirit]

Sounds like a good start. Wish you the best that he pulls through

.