What is wrong with my hen?!

[AnneRatty]

Hi everyone
Just signed up to the forum as we have just ventured in to keeping chickens (to go with the three pigs, 2 of whom are soon going off to slaughter!) and am on a learning curve!!

Today one of my young hens (about 22 weeks, and laying) was staggering around as if drunk. They had knocked over their water container, so I am wondering whether she could be dehydrated or is there something more sinister going on. I have helped her drink (gave her a very diluted mix of water and honey, mentioned somewhere as a good re-hydrater) and she seems quite happy, lying down and eating. The problem is only when she starts moving around....help please!

[Nicos]

I wonder if she's about to lay a huge egg????
I waddled a bit when I was 9 months pregnant!!!

Welcome to the Vine!!!

[AnneRatty]

Hi Nicos

Thanks for the welcome!

Yes, likewise i waddled somewhat! Problem is I think she has already laid her egg today, unless it was a bit of am effort.

[Nicos]

Has she got a temperature??? ( feel her legs- that would indicate an infection)
Give her loads of water...and check her vent.
I'm a newbie to chooks too- but thought you needed at least some response until the more experienced chook keepers arrive!

[Nicos]

Urm - the other things which come to mind - is ..has she sprained her foot/leg- jumping down.
Has she been bullied- pecked?????

What's her poo like???

[AnneRatty]

Thanks Nicos..nice to have a fellow new-comer to chat to!

I picked her up a few times to help her drink...didn't notice her legs feeling hot, but then again, I wasn't thinking of that at the time - will check again tonight when I put her to bed. I checked her vent - didn't seem anything wrong there, but maybe her crop feels a little enlarged.

I don't think she is being bullied/pecked. There are four of them and she seems to be third in the pecking order. Will keep an eye on it though.

Thanks for your help!

[RichmondHens]

Could be cerebral hernia. I had a cock a while back who I'm certain had a cerebral hernia - eating and drinking but off balance when doing so and appearing drunk and and times completely falling over. He deteriorated over a week and we culled him to put him out of his misery. No cure for it I'm afraid. Worth checking with your vet. Hope this helps.

[Bephlam]

How is she today Anne?

[MaureenHall]

Welcome to the vine Anne. I can't think what could be wrong with your chook, sorry, hope she pulls through whatever is the matter though. Best of luck

[AnneRatty]

Thanks for your welcome, everyone.

She is still wobbling, though seems a little better this morning. Eating and drinking quite happily, but unstable on her feet. Doesn't seem to have a fever, though. Ther have been a couple of HUGE eggs the last couple of days, and I wonder if she could have 'dislocated' something if they are hers???

[Nicos]

No idea...but I hope she slowly and steadily recovers!

I'd leave her to it over the weekend- esp as she's eating and drinking properly.....if she's still got probs after the Bank holiday then I'd start to get worried it's not going to improve any more

Out of interest- what do the eggs weigh?????

[Glutton4...]

Fingers crossed for you (and her!). My DH just plucked up the courage to tell his colleagues that we took four of ours to the vet when they had a cold - he hasn't lived it down yet! Uncaring wotsits

[AnneRatty]

Morning Nicos!

Just been to check on her.... again! She has just laid another egg, smaller this time, or should I say normal sized...the last two (I don't know if they were hers) were almost twice the size!! Didn't weight them, and my youngest just had the second one for b'fast today...double yoker

Still eating, but lying down. Seems a little steadier.

[AnneRatty]

Thanks Glutton4

I guess those heartless wotsits have never had chickens, and been bitten by the chook-bug!

[Flummery]

Hi Anne - Did you get her from a breeder who vaccinates them as day-olds or from someone who hatched a few themselves? Only asking because there is something that can make them stagger that are usually vaccinated for.