Young hen with chicks cant balance.

[Branguscowgirl]

I have a young game type hen that has been very healthy. When she went broody I put chicks under her and she has been a super mom. The chicks are now feathered out but they are kept seperate from the others still. I came home today to the hen barely able to walk. She falls left to right and front to back, like her equilibrium is out of wack. She is alert and staying with the chicks. No obvious sign of injury. I have not observed her eating or drinking yet.
Is there a disease that causes this?
Or more likely an injury?

 

[Eggcessive]

An injury could be possible, but there is a virus that can cause loss of balance, paralysis in one leg, and some other possible symptoms. It is Mareks disease, and it tends to show up in younger birds. Of course, heat and dehydration could also cause loss of balance. I would give some Poultry NutriDrench or electrolytes if that seems possible. I would observe her behavior and if needed, separate her with her chicks so that she can reach food and water.

 

[Branguscowgirl]

An injury could be possible, but there is a virus that can cause loss of balance, paralysis in one leg, and some other possible symptoms. It is Mareks disease, and it tends to show up in younger birds. Of course, heat and dehydration could also cause loss of balance. I would give some Poultry NutriDrench or electrolytes if that seems possible. I would observe her behavior and if needed, separate her with her chicks so that she can reach food and water.

Thank you! Yes I was worried that the heat may have been the issue, but today was cooler than it has been. I was worried about really stressing her out catching her up. She is not a friendly one. My Nutri drench is old. Is there any potion that I can make in a pinch until I get to the feed store?
Thank you again!

 

[Eggcessive]

You can feed some sugar water with a tiny pinch of salt. Pedialyte, Gatorade or similar electrolyte water is fine to use.

 

[Swbertrand1]

I'd be more concerned with her water and nutrient intake. Since she's a young mother, she may not even know to feed and water herself if she's caring for young chicks.