4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[Sandychick]

Hi, one of my chickens (Willow) has not been looking quite right for a few months now, but it's all got a bit worse the last few days.

 

The last few days, she has been falling over and sometimes can't get up again for a few minutes. Her feet are folded under her as if she has cramp in them. This is really worrying me, but I'm sure I read something about a severe calcium dificiency causing this? - I can't find it now though.

 

She is eating as much as normal, but looks a bit fluffed up, tail a bit down. Also looks very dehydrated since Friday - floppy comb, and drinking lots. She hasn't layed eggs for 4 months.

 

I have to admit, I have not been adding limestone powder to their feed as frequenly as I used to. Have done this now, and added liquid calcium to their water.

 

Does anyone know if these symptoms sound like lack of calcium? Or any other suggestions??? The other two are perfectly healthy, they've all been wormed with flubenvet too.

 

Thanks

Edited September 28, 2009 by Guest

[sjp]

sounds the same as the speckaldy I had earlier in the year I'd had her on layers pelletts to early she was only ten weeks when i got her bad information when I got her I gave her chick crumb once a day as a treat to build her up plus cod liver oil every couple of days dried meal worm might help too the vet also put her on baytril and an anti imflamatory just incase she pulled through I had to put her to sleep for another reason

[Egluntyne]

I think I'd take her to a vet. Her symptoms sound a tad worrying. If they are caused by a calcium deficiency, the vet will be able to give her an injection.

[Sandychick]

Thanks, I think the vet is looking like the best option.

[..lay a little egg for me]

Calcium deficiency does not sound so likely if she has not been laying for months. Non-layers can have too much calcium and get kidney failure because of it, so it might be best to suspend the calcium supplements until the vet has given his opinion.

[Sandychick]

The vets weren't able to help Willow. She got very sick at the weekend and has just been back to the vets this morning and put to sleep.

 

I'm totally gutted but couldn't watch her struggling anymore.

[Space Chick]

I am so sorry for your loss. RIP Willow

[ClaireG]

I'm sorry

[Egluntyne]

Sorry to hear it.

[cathybc]

sorry to hear about Willow.x

[Groovychook]

Very sorry to hear about Willow xx

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I'm so sorry to hear that .

[Gamebird]

So sorry to hear about Willow.

[Sandychick]

Thanks lots everyone.