Omlet Smart Autodoor - New in box

[Happy chickens!]

Yesterday I saw my beautiful gingernut Ginger sort of stumble and then walk with a bit of a limp; I looked her over and could find nothing wrong. Today she is moving less; I still can't see anything wrong but there is clearly a weakness in her left leg and she can hardly walk. Her eyes are bright, her comb red and feathers glossy. I've isolated her in a cardboard box, not because the others were picking on her, but so I can make sure she can easily get at food and water - she's picked at some corn since I've put her in there, but her leg keeps sliding from under her.

 

I will of course take her to the vets tomorrow, but is there anything else I could be doing for her in the meantime? I've never had a chicken with her tail down before either - normally they hunch up if they're not feeling well and she isn't doing that.

 

Thanks.

[Chucky Mama]

Is she due to lay? I am wondering if it is possible that there is an overly large egg coming that is pushing on a nerve

[Happy chickens!]

Funnily enough she has recently laid and looks a ton better - she is putting weight on her left leg, her tail is back up and she is moving around a little, enjoying some cherry tomatoes from the greenhouse. It was only a small egg though, a little thin-shelled, but not broken. Very puzzling.

 

Do you think it worth me adding some limestone flour/cod liver oil to their feed for a few days?

 

I was really concerned about her earlier, thought maybe she'd had a stroke or something! She is only a young bird though, about 6 months old.

[Chucky Mama]

If she has been fine until now and is on a balanced diet (not too many treats) I would just observe her. It may have been a blip. General supplements like Lifeguard are probably better than those specifically targeting calcium.

[Happy chickens!]

Thanks very much for the advice Chucky Mama - she was looking almost back to normal when tucked them in this evening so fingers crossed you were spot on and was just egg on nerves. Will keep eye on her and take to vets if she relapses.