smokiechicken1969 Posted January 14, 2010 Share Posted January 14, 2010 (edited) Been away working for 2 months to cover sicknes. Split up with my partner so had to have neighbour come in and look after the birds. Came home after xmas, all of the birds thin as can be so on flubevent 1% and acting normally apart from the worst scaly leg i have ever seen. how is that possible in two months? i am treating with scaly leg spray, vaseline and dusting and spraying coop. however. my lovely cream leg bar coco was very quiet and started to walk a bit strange, i noticed her legs were very bad with awful raised scales. went into the shed to check on them on sunday because was so cold and she was just lying on the floor. i thought she was dead i picked her up and she opened her eyes but couldnt stand, i rushed her indoors, put her under my jumper and warmed her until i could get a bed and hot water bottle organised. i didnt think she'd make it but she came round and was able to feed from my hand. took her to vet (good with chickens) and could find nothing wrong with her. she is on baytril (4th day) is much perkier and feeding herself but her legs are terrible state and shes having trouble moving around although much better than she was. i am feeding her anything she fancies. these are her symptoms horrendus scales lifting on legs crop is soft in morning and no sour breath yet when she eats her she seems to get very puffed up in the upper chest and i can feel the food in under her breast bone. she is about 6 months old and not laid yet, although vet said she wasnt egg bound. Weak legs no runny poo no sniffles fair appetite and feeding and drinking on own. can i soak her legs in warm water for some relief and is there anything else i can put on her legs to get these scales in a better state. i know its kindest to put an animal to sleep but she is really fighting and i will do all i can to get her through. She is warm and cosy in the utility room and the other chooks come to the door every day to see her and she goes to the glass to see them. everyday i asked my neighbour if they were ok and she always said yes. im devestated. Edited January 24, 2010 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted January 14, 2010 Share Posted January 14, 2010 I don't think I can be much use, but a similar story. Had someone else looking after my chickens since sept and came back to scaly mite so bad it was worse than the worst photos on the internet and a very squidgy crop (and respiratory problems too). I twice considered having my pullet put down because it was heartbreaking to see her suffer. I am so glad I didn't because, although it has been a long haul, she has made a very good recovery. Only you can see how much your chook is suffering but if she is eating and drinking, walking around and showing an interest in things, then I would have thought those are all good signs. The scaly mite is very treatable. I found teatream cream (for dogs I think) was soothing for my pullet's legs. I also used iodine spray and Savlon, in desperation, although I don't know whether they are OK for chickens really. I kept her warm and kept up with the vaseline and Scaly leg lotion. The vet has now given her spot-on ivermectin as she thinks it is kinder than rubbing sore legs. You have to be very careful about secondary infections with bad cases of scaly mite, as these can leave the chicken lame. I would not let her outside in the dirt till they have healed a bit. Soaking the crust off in warm water is a good idea. Live yoghurt with minced garlic and horse apple cider vinegar is really good for crop problems, apparently, especially on an empty crop. I hope someone more expert than me will be along wih advice soon. Fingers crossed for you and your chook. x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokiechicken1969 Posted January 14, 2010 Author Share Posted January 14, 2010 oh egghead thank you for replying. poor coco also worse legs than pictures on the internet. i just cant belive it. she had definately improved. very slighly but thats only because i know her so well. i have been doing the things you have listed and checked to see if i could use savlon, i have to say it seems to be helping! take on board about the secondary infection, she too weak to go outside anyway but i can see she'd love to. she chirps away through the glass to her friends on the other side. she is settled for the night tonight but im going to soak her legs tomorrow. i will be devestated if she doesnt make it. what a little trooper. and i know everyone thinks were mad on this site, but she definatley knows shes being fussed over. thanks for the reply. fingers crossed eh x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 14, 2010 Share Posted January 14, 2010 Ok firstly dont beat yourself up over it, your neighbour probably doesnt know her bumblefoot from her sour crop so its not her fault, its not yours either - these things happen and you are where you are and replaying it and making yourself feel bad isnt going to help Firstly treat the mites from the inside as well as from the outside, some Xeno 200 (Ivermectin) *not licenced for hens* will do the trick as per the above post Dont try and prise, scrub or pick at the legs no matter how tempting! A bit of savlon cream/sudocreme and a gentle massage will soothe, washing may make them dry so I wouldnt try that Continue with the spray and vaseline The legs will look a mess until the hens moult at the end of the year when the scales will also be moulted off but as long as the mites are gone the hens will be just fine Try and get some Avipro or live yogurt down her, that may help and you are doing the right thing keeping her warm and confined for now Where are you in the country? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted January 14, 2010 Share Posted January 14, 2010 It sounds as if the crop you are feeling is perfectly normal. The scales on the legs won't 'improve' much in appearance I'm afraid. You will have to wait for her next moult for new scales to appear, but there will always be a thickened appearance after an episode of scaley leg mite. I agree that Xeno 200 *Not licensed for use on poultry in UK is an effective treatment. Benzyl Benzoate * not licenced for use on poultry in UK is another remedy. Available at chemists and some equestrian shops. Apply with a toothbrush. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokiechicken1969 Posted January 14, 2010 Author Share Posted January 14, 2010 hi guys can always rely on your wisdom thank you. im down in cornwall not far from newquay. i just cannot believe the state they are all in. like a different flock. coco is so wobbly on her feet but a mild improvement today as she has been wandering around and feeding herself and as she nestled down tonight she was fluffing her bedding around her. im wondering if she is so unsteady on her feet because of how bad the raised scales are. the baytril is obviously helping and i just pray she makes it. ive convinced myself that if i can get the legs in a better shape and get the 'inflamation' down then she will be better. the bantams feet are just as bad but they seem quite normal. im treating them with all the same stuff other than the baytril. ie. being wormed, cream on legs everyday, spraying with the scaly leg and flubivnet which will finish on sunday. what a state. does anyone know when coco will start laying. when i pick her up im trying to feel if there is an egg there but i cant feel anything 'abnormal'. she must be a good 6 7 months by now? the vet didnt think she was egg bound and she isn't showing any signs of straining or distress. her tail is down but i attribute that to the fact she's off colour. her face is normal colour now. she went very pale but normal pink has returned today. thanks for all your advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted January 14, 2010 Share Posted January 14, 2010 just to say do let them meet with each other, not just through the glass, just a wee while each day, to keep the contacts up, it will perk her up too, and she will eat better. try some mealworms and all the things recommended for moultingchooks, probdo them all good if they all lost weight. with the weather being so cold and losing weight there was no reserves in her body to keep her warm, sounds like you got to her just in time. good luck, and keep us posted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokiechicken1969 Posted January 14, 2010 Author Share Posted January 14, 2010 ah thanks sandy, i know it sounds ridiculous but she definately perked up when she saw them at the door and they were all so funny looking in as if to say 'hey thats not fair you're in there'. she didnt even look up from her bed for a day or two so she's definatley improved. i just hope it stays that way. i honestly dont know what i would do without this site. i spent weeks on here before i got my hens and it has been a life line ever since. thanks all you fab people at omlet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokiechicken1969 Posted January 16, 2010 Author Share Posted January 16, 2010 Well coco is still with me. I worry if im doing the right thing by keeping her alive as she seems to sleep a lot with her head virtually touching the ground it hangs so low, yet when she wants shes up at her food, feeding and drinking herself, and gobbles any treats i give her. her legs are so weak, but the appearance seems to be better from the constant application of cream. tomorrow is the last day of the baytril and im worried that its the antibiotics that are keeping her appetite up and once they stop she'll go down hill. her legs are so weak, im praying that if she keeps feeding, it will build her strength as her legs improve she'll make a recovery. fingers crossed everyone.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 Poor you - your experiences sound horrendous. Do try to stay on top of it though, she needs you. I know its tough making decisions, but from it sounds like Coco's not finished yet. I've read your other post asking about what to feed her. I'd say the Baytril isn't particularly helping her appetite (when mine have been on it they've always still had rubbish appetites) so the fact she eats well when she wants to is a very good sign. So I would feeding her as often as she wants and get some protein into her - eg rinsed tinned tuna, mealworms, mashed boiled egg, chick crumb (its higher in protein than layers). Personally I wouldn't bother too much with fruit as its not getting that much 'goodness' into her except vitamins, although its always better to get something into an ill girl than nothing. Keep her warm and comfy like you are so her body can concentrate on getting better. Time will tell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted January 16, 2010 Share Posted January 16, 2010 I would agree, about the baytril... If amything, just like us it could make you feel "not "right", more likely the baytril is working at what ever ails and her appetite is good cos she doesn't feel too bad. Is sge gaining any weight? Maybe she simple has not that much energy, is she still inside in the warm? How many do you have, is there someone that could come in and keep her company? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 Fingers crossed for you and Coco. It's good that she's eating and interested in treats. Do you think she might be anaemic from the mites? Are her comb and wattles pale? Have you tried a tonic in her water? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokiechicken1969 Posted January 17, 2010 Author Share Posted January 17, 2010 Hi guys thank you for all your replies. well she's still with me but i dont think for much longer. strange thing is she's eating plenty and drinking. she's had tuna today and some boiled egg yolk, few meal worms and pecked at her layers. she's in her box and pops her head up to see whats going on. even the scales on her legs have improved. unfortunately she cannot stand today. its as though her legs have splayed. i dont know if shes too weak to stand on them or shes in pain with them. she sleeps with her head hung forward virtually touching the floor but then when she hears me she sits bolt upright and pays attention to whats going on. she has had lots of company. they others come to the glass and bok to her and she chirps back. i have been around most of the time and although he's not a chicken my collie is an accepted part of the flock and sits with the chickens in the sun quite happily so he goes in to see her. just cant believe this has happened. its so sad, she was such a proud and strong girl. i just hope to god she's not in any pain and that im not being selfish by not taking her to the vets to do the decent thing. im working on the basis that as long as she's still eating and drinking and still looking around at whats going on then we'll continue until that changes. she has life guard in her water and poos are normal. she's not wheezy or any problems with her crop that i can feel. she's still inside and will stay warm and cozy until she makes a total recovery. the cockerel comes to the back door and looks at her through the glass and skips his legs all the way along and back again to tell her off for not being out there with the others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 Sorry to hear she hasn't got the strength back but it sounds as though you are trying really hard for her. I hope she picks up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandyhas3chucks Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 nothing much to add really, bit of a mystery, could she still be weak? Might she have strained something? If she wasn't eating enough is she calcium deficient, this can affecrt their legs. could she have an egg stuck/imminent. Just chucking my thoughts out here.... no basis or experience,, hope someone that has comes along. She is eating drinking pooing ok.... but can't stand and lays odd until she see's you???? very odd. maybe ring the vet & see what he/she says in the morning as you must have finished the baytril now! good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted January 17, 2010 Share Posted January 17, 2010 Could she have rickets? Or cage fatigue? I am not talking from any knowledge, just from looking up symptoms in Damerow book. Both are due to nutritional deficiencies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Auntie FiFi Posted January 18, 2010 Share Posted January 18, 2010 Just reading your posts. Really sorry - it's very traumatic when one of your pets is poorly - and it's so pitiful seeing them in such a state but you have to do your best for them don't you? How are things now? Very best wishes x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smokiechicken1969 Posted January 24, 2010 Author Share Posted January 24, 2010 Well i have joined the long list of omlet users that have lost a chicken they thought the world of. poor girl couldnt stand so took her back to the vet last wednesday. she had finished her baytril and i was counting on her being on the road to recovery by then. the vet examined her and suggested that maybe she had a kidney infection as she seemed very sensitive when he felt the area and this could explain the loss of mobility as it could be causing pain on the sciatic nerves that run down the legs. he gave me some metacam which is an oral suspension for dogs designed to help with inflamation and pain, and also a change of antibiotic which was marbocyl. he also gave her a vitamin b injection and a pain injection there and then. he added that if she hadnt improved in 5 days then i should not put off the inevitable... she started to go down hill and spent most of her time with her eyes closed, but she would open them for a little peck of something nice. but when i went to give her some breakfast on friday she wouldnt respond. she wouldnt drink anything and didnt even move when i opened her little beak to give her the medication. i put her in her carrier on saturday and took her back to the vet for an emergency appointment. he examined her and said that i'd tried really hard and that the kindest thing was to help her on her way. i stroked her whilst the vet did what he needed to and then i went to pick her up so i could cuddle her until she drifted off but it was so quick, by the time i picked her up she had gone! i know some people will think its stupid to get upset over something that most people have for dinner every sunday, but like so many of us on here, she was my little pet and an object of my affection. a character through and through and we could tell that from day one by the way her head would pop up from her mums wing to see what was going on. a friend has told me that she knows of a cream legbar for sale. but its not the breed i'll miss its her contribution to the gang. i have to say the vets were fantastic in newquay. they were very thorough and checked her for all the things you talk about on here such as crop and egg bound etc. he did say something interesting and i dont know what everyone else thinks? he felt that she had injured her back/leg in some way. he suggested that maybe the cockerel had tried to tread her and may have injured her in some way? does anyone think that's possible. she wasnt crouching yet and wasnt laying so maybe she didnt know what to do and he cornered her and hurt her? but then wouldnt she have been lame straight away not after a week? i guess we'll never know. all of my chickens were out of condition when i returned home (had to go away for 2 months) so i think she got under nourished and got too weak to recover. they're all looking back to themselves now a couple of weeks on. thank you to everyone who offered advice, it was so gratefully received. im just so sad she never made it. sleep tite coco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 I'm so sorry she is gone. She died cared for and loved and you couldn't have done any more and I do know how heartbreaking it is. Hugs for you xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom123 Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 So sorry to hear about her x You did everything you could x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 Aww, so sorry to hear she didn't make it. You did do everything you could for her though, take some comfort from that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egghead68 Posted January 24, 2010 Share Posted January 24, 2010 I am so sorry. I was really rooting for you both. You did everything you could. She was well loved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted January 25, 2010 Share Posted January 25, 2010 Sorry to hear about Coco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
