Yesterday rooster limping;today legs toward back cant walk. help!

[gasmeh]

I have an american red rooster that was limping yesterday while he was free ranging. At night I close them in their coop, and this morning I found him on the floor with wings spread out and legs spread behind him. When I pick him up he tries to move his legs, but when I touch the bottom of his feet they are non responsive, and seemingly limp. I put food and water next to him, but I don't know what else to do... Is there hope for him to get better? I really like him. I'd hate to lose him...

 

[hinkjc]

Your going to need to provide more info about your roo. I'm so sorry and know this is stressful, but how old is your boy? Any other symptoms...stools, respiratory, etc? Was he only limping for a single day and then went down like this? Is he with other chickens? Roosters? Any chance of contact with moldy feed/bedding? What about toxins?

There are numerous things that can contribute to these symptoms. Any extra info may determine if we can help.

Jody

 

[gasmeh]

He is 2 1/2 years old. seemed perfectly healthy till yesterday. We are located in AZ. No moldy feed or hay. They all get layers crumble, and whatever they get when they free range. He is my only rooster, and is with 3 hens who haven't been pecking at him since he's been down.
Thank you for responding.

 

[hinkjc]

First thing that comes to mind is lymphoid leukosis. http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/203603.htm&word=lymphoid%2cleukosis

Jody

 

[horsejody]

It could also be Marek's disease. It usually effect one limb first then progresses, but it can effect both legs at the same time.