wobbly hen

[misscalculated]

I have a silky cross, in lay, who has the attention of two males. The reason I say this is because I let them all out this morning and she was fine. I check on them quite often and checked on her half an hour ago and she was stood with her wings drooped and tipped forward onto her front. I noticed something was wrong when I came with some treats and she didn't run up to me. I'm not sure what's happened but what does everyone else think. She seems alert enough but her beak is slightly parted. I've brought her in the house now to give he more attention.

 

[sourland]

Hard to guess the problem, but if the roosters are far larger than her and gang breed the hens, they may have injured her.

 

[misscalculated]

Yes I thought that too. First thoughts were spinal injury.

 

[marthacolleen]

It's almost certainly Mareck's, which is a viral disease, HIGHLY contagious, and carried in their "dander" - so any feathers they shed, etc... will carry the virus for months. There is a vaccination that can be given for it, it's a sub-cut injection that needs to be given at one day of age. I'm sorry you had this also, it's horrific to watch them succumb to it. There is no "cure" and they will all die different "deaths". For their sake, just hope it's quick. Breaks your heart. They are so confused as to why their little legs no longer work, they fall over... it's horrible.

 

[dawg53]

I seriously doubt it's marek's disease. I agree with Sourland, she's been injured by the 2 roos ganging up on her. Keep her seperated and warm, feed her a liquidy mixture of buttermilk and scrambled egg for a few days. All you can do is provide supportive care until she heals, IF she heals. After about 10 days and if there's no improvement, it may become a quality of life issue with her and you might have to cull her.

 

[misscalculated]

Ok heres today's developments. Later that day I had to go out and left her in my eldest sons capable hands. He fed and watered her and by the time I got back she was on her feet again walking round the kitchen. This morning she is sat on an egg and won't budge lol.

 

[dawg53]

Certainly good news.

 

[misscalculated]

My son candled the egg last night and it appears to be fertile. So, looks like I'm stuck with a broody hen in my kitchen for the foreseeable lol.