Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[chickenlady]

Hello

 

I am after some advice please my Marsh Daisy is poorly. She is very wobbley on her legs and keep crouching. She is much happier sitting down. I took her to the VET last Friday (thinking I was not going to be bringing her back and was in tears) and he said he thought she had had a bang on her head or a stroke as it was mainly down one side. We are a week on and I would say she has got a little worse and she is presently going round the garden in what looks like a drunken state. But she is still eating. When she comes down in the morning its not the first thing she does but nevertheless she is still eating. Can anyone advice what the right thing/kindest is to do ?? yep managed to upset myself again

[Egluntyne]

I wonder if she has an ear infection?

 

I'd find a different vet for a second opinion, as the advice you have received seems woolly.

[Redwing]

I'd get a second opinion too

 

Is the hen dropping her wing at all or limping? partial paralysis down one side could hint towards Mareks disease

[Chucky Mama]

Did she receive any treatment when she went to the vet? As Redwing asked, is she limping of dropping that wing to steady herself. While you gather your thoughts in terms of nursing her, confinement is the key. With balance issues movement is a problem as they have to rebalance themselves which is both difficult and stressful. If you see another vet it is a good idea to tell the receptionist when booking that you are concerned about inner ear issue or Mareks. This way if they are not experienced in treating chickens, they can do any research then need to do before you arrive.

[chickenlady]

Thanks for your replies, when I called the vet last week he mentioned an ear problem but checked her ears and they were fine! Her wing isn't down but she is fluffed up a lot! And sleepy! She can move well if I am trying to catch her but most of the time she is slowly walking eating grass and then sleeping. I thought it was the big M and said that to the vet but he said no last week. I'm guessing it's not going to be good news

[Chucky Mama]

There is not fluid in her abdomen is there? Is she still unbalanced or is she weak?

[chickenlady]

Unbalanced and weak I would say. Early this morning went on one leg to scatch and completely unbalanced. But a bit later walked fine accross the decking. Eating OK had corn with oil on and pecking at water melon. We watch her and think she looks poorly, but then my husband says she is eating. She doesnt rush at the food, but will eat a fair bit.

[Plum]

Could be vitamin E deficiency. Someone posted on here about a tonic high in vit E I think it was called Boost. Lifeguard also contains vit E.

 

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/168/vitamin-e-deficiency-encephalomalacia-exudative-diathesis-muscular-dystrophy