When is it really time to cull?

[MakNat]

I have a 10 week old cochin bantam pullet that has all of a sudden came up lame. I have had a couple of other hens act the same. Weird walking, no obvious pain or broken bones. I nurse the life out of them. They never walk again. I'm starting to think it is a common injury among chickens??? I think maybe one of my older roos jumped on her..?? I love her but I feel bad, I don't think she'll walk again..

 

[chicken master]

Are they the same age, breed , do they have the same parents? How big is your coop and how many chickens do you have in it?

 

[Renee]

Leg problems can be the result of vitamin deficiencies. I know it makes no sense, since the food is supposedly balanced, but many people find that putting three drops a day of Polyvisol on the beak for a week corrects this problem. There may be a disease affecting your birds too, so you may want to send one in to your State Vet for a necropsy.
Renee

 

[Matt A NC]

Can also be Mareks Disease.

Matt

 

[Southernbelle]

Quote:
That was my first thought, too, since it's affecting so many. A necropsy will really help. Our state vet does them for free.

 

[MakNat]

Mareks? Only one out of 10? All of a sudden? I think an injury?.. The chicks get med food plus eggs, ACV, garlic, spinach, cooked oats, yogurt, you name it.. Maybe... This group roast in a lit cage at night in the barn. Locked up. They play loose in the barn during the day. Later and slowly through the afternoon the big chicks stroll in. I've noticed everyone having plenty of space and been getting along then they all go back to their safe roasts at night.. Maybe one of the horses hurt her..?

 

[mypicklebird]

It could be a vitamin or mineral deficiency (but unlikely if they are eating primarily a commercial pellet appropriate for their age), or injury (but with most injuries, with time and supportive care- they will get up and walk again), or infectious disease. 10wk old is a bit young for Marek's but possible. Is this young bird holding it's foot UP or is it dragging it? Your first post mentioned several weird walking hens, that you nursed- but never walked again. Can you be more specific?

 

[chickenzoo]

MS is also possible. If you could get a blood test done or necropsy it would be helpful in knowing what is going on with your birds. Sorry for your loss

 

[AHappychick]

Quote:
yep 1 out of 10 is normal for Mareks, as it wont effect all of them. When I was dealing with it I would get one every few weeks that came down with it. check their eyes are any of them discolored, misshapen, etc....

 

[MakNat]

Quote:
At first she was like high stepping. Yesterday. This morning she is just sitting there with her bad leg cocked out front. Her eyes look clear. She was peeping all cute a hobbled over to the food. I put chicken vitamens in the water. 2 years ago one young roo came up like that. He was eaten up by mites. Have since learned from that ... Culled him, he got so weak.. And a couple of months ago a year and a half old hen came up lame. She would still try and keep up with everyone. I put her up for a while, but no improvement. So horribly I evenually culled her. So that was only a couple that I stated. I've given up on the vets around here. Its hard enough to get on out for the livestock... If you mention chicken they won't even call back ... All and all My birds are happy and healthy. Just once in a while something weird happens. I think maybe she just got hurt. I will try the vitamans.. What is polyvisal and where can I get it? I really hate making the poor little thing suffer tho... Thanks!!