we have a koop with about 20 chickens..when i went outside this morning, i noticed that one of our laying hens (Goldie) was laying over on her side. she wasnt squaking and when i picked her up, her legs were limp and she couldnt stand up on her own... it only seems to be one of her legs that cannot support her....it looks like maybe she had a stroke and her left side is parlized..but is that a probable cause? its a buff orpington and she just reached laying age (about 6 month)...she is a free-range chicken during the day and at night she sleeps in a coop with about 20 other hens and one rooster....does anybody know whats wrong with her?
2007-06-22 01:28:00 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Birds
I know this may not be the answer you wanted but just so you know, if it dies, get it out that second!!!!! Otherwise the chickens will become cannibals. See when the chicken dies and all, worms get in it and the other birds go after the worms
2007-06-22 07:40:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may be too late. Hope not.
One thing I've noticed about birds is that they will feign health until the very last moment - then they go down. Predators (dogs and cats etc.) and larger animals will show signs of illness well in advance - giving us time to call for help.
Birds, on the other hand, will give the appearance of health up until they experience total system failure.
Isolate her and take her to a vet or perhaps your local extension office. I don't know where you live, but with so many various diseases out there - bird flu, not the least of them - it would be best to be careful. Even if it costs you your entire flock, it's better than spreading something to your family - or your neighbor's flocks.
While I don't want to be the bearer of ill tidings - but in these days, a sick farm chicken is more serious than one would normally expect.
2007-06-22 08:48:21 · answer #2 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i have had a similar problem and i found the bird died, it didnt really get over it
personally i would take it out now and humanely execute it to stop its suffering. i know it is not what you want to hear but i am being honest.
also make sure you wash your hands thoroughly when you handle the poultry each time in case it is a virus and not a stroke
2007-06-22 19:02:32 · answer #3 · answered by jojohorseriding 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be Marek's disease.
Separate her from the rest of the flock immediately, and keep a very close eye on the rest of them, as it is quite contagious.
Here's a quick link I found with some information:
http://www.shagbarkbantams.com/page9.htm
2007-06-22 09:29:24 · answer #4 · answered by rollin_indahay 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Good guess, a stroke or an infection (viral).
Animals, fouls mimic humans
Have her checked---- GL !.
2007-06-22 08:35:06 · answer #5 · answered by tab2732 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She might of tripped over something and sprained her leg.
2007-06-22 08:33:55 · answer #6 · answered by ER 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
built a bigger coop
2007-06-22 08:43:10 · answer #7 · answered by rayanna 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋