Wobbly hen

[ONEDRMUDR]

I have a 2 year old hen who became what I thought was broody about 10 days ago. I have never seen this in my little flock, did some reading and assumed that's what it was. However, she is quickly losing weight and has become very unsteady on her legs, able to only lurch/walk a step or two and then she flops back down. I have been chasing her off the nest, and she will wobble over to the water and feed, and she looks alert and bright-eyed, but I fear she is going to die if this keeps up. Took her to the vet today and he ruled out anything infectious and just didn't really have any other ideas. This is my first flock and all has been well until now and I am out of ideas. Can hens die from being broody? We don't have a rooster, these are just pet chickens and wonderful egg-layers. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

[OutInTheStiks]

I don't have any suggestions other than to make her comfortable and provide food and clean water close by, but I'll give you a bump and hope someone else can offer better advice.

 

[ONEDRMUDR]

Thank you very much for whatever help you can rustle up. I am at my wits end and just can't stand to see this chicken (her name is Louise) suffer. She is so bright-eyed and alert, happy to see me when I go to the coop, but she just staggers dramatically when she attempts to walk. I did take her to the vet on Monday, and he had nothing to offer. Today I talked with the "Exotics Clinic" at Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine (about an hour from our home) and the first appointment they could offer was Monday, so off we will go Monday, assuming she is still hanging in there. Her weight loss is noticeable at this point, and I am going to put her in a dog crate on the porch so I can more carefully monitor her eating and drinking. Will try one of the "sick chicken" diets I have read about on this site. My other four chickens are fit as a fiddle. Any other ideas would be most helpful. Thanks so much.

P.S. I am new to this (chickens and forums!!) -- what is a "bump"? Whatever it is, thank you and I hope it works!!

 

[OutInTheStiks]

Quote:
A "bump" is a post meant to move the original post up on the forum so it nearer the top and therefore more likely to be seen by more people. You are not supposed to bump your own posts though.

 

[Lesa]

Take a very close look at the bottom of her feet. See if there is a dark circle "callus". If so, she may have bumble foot. Does she have poop stuck to her feathers? Monitoring her closely is a good idea. You will be able to tell if she is eating. Good luck!

 

[ONEDRMUDR]

Thank you again. No callus on her feet -- that is one thing the vet checked for. She also doesn't have poop stuck to her fanny. The vet also ran a fecal sample and said she didn't have any parasites. He also looked very carefully for mites, etc. and found no evidence. Off to set up a chicken hospital on the back porch. THANK YOU!!