Is my chicken injured or could it possibly be bird flu?

Question

One of our largest chickens (she's a mix of light brahma and partidge wyandote) is normally quite clumsy but is a real character, very docile and also very greedy.

Luckily her personality hasnt changed but when i went to go and feed the hens this morning, she tumbled out of the hutch, wobbled a bit stepped forward and fell over. i went to go and get the food and she and the others followed me as usual but she was lagging behind and tumbling about as if she was drunk often to either side.

Her appetite and behaviour is normal, she has just moulted but her feathers look ok, her comb is nice and pink but im conserned that her leg(s) may be injured...she has feathered legs so we cant really see them.

i saw on the internet that bird flu symptoms can cause lack of co-ordination etc

what shall i do? she is one of our favourite hens so we wouldnt put her down...any suggestions as to what may be wrong with her and how to treat it?

i looked on defra website and it doesnt look like she actually has bird flu as her wattle and comb are fine!

thanks!

Answer 1

well if she has bird flu you have no other choice but to put the chicken down

call a vet

Answer 2

Relax.
There are countless disease that show symptoms like that.
If you are concerned about your hen, bring her inside, keep her warm, and give her lots of fresh water and food. Then call a vet who specializes in poultry.

There are many strains of bird flu, none of them are particulary dangerous. The dangerous one is the H5N1, and its all the way over in Asia. The only way that it could to another continent is if an infected bird were shipped overseas, or if a bird infected with it migrated overseas, and there are only a few species that have that route, so no worries. The whole bird flu thing is way exaggerated.

Answer 3

There are more chicken illnessess than bird flu! Lack of coordination can also be from New Castle, and Mareks disease as well as a number of other problems. Isolate her from the other hens (who may pick her). Check for your county extention office who may hav emore specific advice or call the closest vet school for their poultry department who may have more specific advice

Answer 4

If your bird has bird flu, unfortunately it probably will not survive for much longer I am sorry! If you suspect bird flu then its condition should be reported immediately to the local authority's to avoid spreading the virus.

Answer 5

It could be a age thing,it sounds like a brain defect,just keep her warm calm and comfy,but don't take her away from the others,you may have to take her pellets to her,if shes still walking around keep a eye on her,but you need to see a vet as soon as possible.

Answer 6

Well i would concult a vet
I would say she may have been layig down 4 a while that could cause they, or was attached by another hen.
She may just need some time to settle down but please dont take any chances and call a vet.
If she is older she could slow down too

Answer 7

You need to check the Defra guidance IMMEDIATELY. http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/diseases/notifiable/disease/ai/latest-situation/index.htm or 08459 33 55 77 (open 9 am - 5pm today)

It is an offence not to report bird flu - if this is what your hen has.

Answer 8

We have had chickens many years and occasionally one would display these same symptoms the same as you described and never improve. Sorry to be the one to tell you your pet is very likely hopelessly damaged. I have no qualifications to diagnose such symptoms,I suspect some sort of paralysis.

Answer 9

If you have any fears get to a vet immediately, the last thing you want is to be responsible for starting an epidemic.

Answer 10

Check her feet for damaged pads-heavy birds can damage them when getting down from the perch.If you can get it early,before it heals,trapping dirt,you can prevent bumblefoot. They can also suffer from cramp.