Omlet Smart Autodoor - New in box

[Roobaloo]

Is there anything that would cause lameness in a Wyandotte cockerel?

 

I raised him from a chick late last summer, he aways seemed to have a wide stance, I assumed it was because he was a cockerel (I've never had one before!)...he's always been bullied by the top hen and has always seemed to have a leggy/gangly movement, as if his legs were too long for his body. As he was growing up, he hated walking on ramps or bars...in fact he's only recently got the hang of them.

 

I've just let them out but left the top hen inside the run (she originally came out but attacked Oscar and then one of the other hens quite aggressively) As soon as top hen was out the way, Oscar started standing up to the second in command hen...they both leapt up and started 'boxing', Toph landed neatly on her feet but Oscar fell over. This happened twice more before Oscar tried to flee, only to crash straight into Toph again and he ran underneath her.

He finally moved away but was panting quite badly.

 

I picked him up but couldn't find any injury...so let him down again and he seemed to be swaying and slightly staggering...I can only describe it as looking like he was drunk.

 

He's now back in the run on his own with some treats and he's merrily scratching around.

 

Any ideas? Does he just have weak legs because he's still maturing - he's definitely developed more since the weather improved. Or is it something more serious?

[Redwing]

That doesnt sound too good especially if its been going on a while it could be neurological I guess, do you have a chicken friendly vet who could take a look at him?

 

Cockerels are gangly and clumsy but it doesnt sound as if its as trivial as that, is his wing carriage normal?

 

You've had rotten luck with your birds, I really hope Oscar is going to be ok

[Roobaloo]

Yeah, his wings are normal! I've never been concerned before, I just assumed it was because he was a big bird with long legs and that was just how he is...but seeing him trying to fight and just fall over, it just seemed wrong. He's finished scratching so I'll try and get a video.

 

One of my vets is fairly knowledgable with birds, but it's pigeons rather than chickens. He freely admits his hen knowledge isn't that great.

 

I can't believe how much has gone wrong...I must admit, my OH found me sobbing in the WIR, hugging a very bemused Oscar!! I really hope he'll be ok, today was the first time he'd crowed and it's nowhere near as loud as Toph's general shouting (which no one has complained about!!) so we were finally hoping we'd be able to keep him!

[Roobaloo]

Here's a video of him falling over...Toph appeared as I was trying to film him so I thought it might help. He fell a second time but I'd already stopped filming to remove Toph.

 

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/judziah172/e11b01b1.mp4

 

After the fight, he was more wobbly again...

 

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b330/judziah172/61a9dde5.mp4

 

He staggers as he walks behind the feeder, then he wobbles and rocks back on his heels when he's under the platform.

 

Could it just be muscle strain because he's young and growing?

[chuckmum6]

It might be worth considering an inner ear infection, that could affect his balance, he is a good looking boy.

[Plum]

Looks to me like he has something going on with right hip. He's a lovely boy

[Roobaloo]

Thanks for suggestions and comments!!

 

As he can walk, do you think it'll improve on it's own? Or should I separate/restrict him so he can rest?

Do you think it's worth a vet trip?

[chuckmum6]

I would take him, it might be something antibiotics could sort, or it could be something that might becausing him pain, although he seems a happy enough chap. Either way it may give you some answers and possibly a cure.

[Plum]

May require metacam (anti inflamatory) or Vit A & E supplement

[Roobaloo]

The Vet didn't have any real suggestions...couldn't find anything wrong (and Oscar was not co-operating so it was hard to judge if he was in pain or just being aggressive ) They just said to isolate him so he could rest...

 

So he's been in a large rat cage in the WIR...and when I've let him out to check him, he walks fine and kicks/scratches strongly...but as soon as he sees the others, he gets worked up, tries to attack Toph and the wobbles start again (though, much less than before!)

 

In the meantime, I spoke to a local guy who breeds a lot of his own birds (for eggs and meat) and he wonders if it's an overloaded joint under strain. I mentioned that Oscar seemed to suddenly fill out when the weather improved, so he thinks he's put on too much weight, too quick...and due to the time of year, he's putting more stress on the joint (fighting and mounting the ladies)

 

...so, which should I follow? If I isolate him, he just stands and stares at the ladies so he'll rest but won't lose weight, at least loose in the WIR, he scratches about, moves and generally acts like a chicken....

 

Any thoughts?

 

Is there anything non-prescription I can give him to ease the discomfort or should I go back to the vet and 'demand' something?