hello123 Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 HI. I am a new member and joined because one of our chickens is paralysed and breathing quite heavily. She was found paralysed sitting in the grass but we gave her some food and she seemed fine. I thought it might be marek's disease but apparently they have one leg foward and one leg back and both hers are facing backwards. Also she was paralysed suddenly and not over a few days. I think mareks comes about slowly? She started breathing more heavily yesterday. She is still eating and drinking but seems to be a bit more unwell today. I would feel really bad if I put her to sleep if their was an easy solution but my parents will not take her to the vets unless there is a proper diagnosis etc., PLease please help if you have any ideas about what it might be, THanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 Guess a big egg could press on her nerves Don't know much about Mareks, sorry but I hope it's not that. I would tell your parents that a vet could diagnose the problem. Even if they are not a poultry vet they could tell if it was an egg stuck and help her and if it's neurological or spinal problem then I'm sorry they would be able to end it humanely for her Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 I agree with plum, we're not vets here. Make her as comfortable as you can overnight and if she's still the same tomorrow then you need to either consult a vet or, if you know how to do it quickly and humanely, put her out of her misery. It would be cruel to let her linger either way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted May 1, 2011 Share Posted May 1, 2011 I am sorry your hen is so poorly. Without seeing her none of us can really offer a diagnosis. If your hen is paralysed she really aught to be seen by a vet. If your folks don't want to take her, I don't think the PDSA will turn anyone away. Please check if there is a PDSA close to you. I am sorry to say this but it is cruel to let an animal suffer unnecessarily. Good luck in finding help for her. Alli x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hello123 Posted May 2, 2011 Author Share Posted May 2, 2011 Sorry just wondered if anyone might have been in the same situation. Will probably put her to sleep today or tomorrow although she seems perfecctly lively but wouldn't want her to suffer if the condition gets worse. I will try to persuade my sister to put her out of her misery because she is her chicken but I think she feels that apart from paralysis she isn't suffering that much. Thankyou so much for your help it would be great if I could take her to the vet but unfortunately it is not financially viable for my parents. We do know a way to put her to sleep humanely so i won't have to worry that she is suffering. THankyou so much for your help it is very sad to lose a chicken but sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind, Thankyou. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 I am afraid that accessing whether a chicken is in pain is nigh on impossible. Admittedly the fact that she is eating and drinking is a good sign but not being able to move around and doing 'chickeny things' will certainly be causing her some degree of stress. This is why if there is no sign of improvement within an acceptably short period of time - I personally would set this at 24 hours, I would either seek more experienced help in the way of a vet or experienced poultry keeper, or humanely cull her. If it is not an overly large egg pushing on a nerve, DIY treatment at home is unlikely to improve her to the point of her leading a near normal life. Sorry I can't be more positive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hello123 Posted May 2, 2011 Author Share Posted May 2, 2011 Thankyou so much for your advice I will try to get someone in tomorrow to humanely cull her as she has been laying so it probably isn't an egg pushing on her nerves. Would love to be able to get a vet in but sadly it is not possible. Thankyou so much. I will miss her loads but we have to do what's best for her, Eloise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted May 2, 2011 Share Posted May 2, 2011 Just a thought. Vitamin B1 deficiency can cause paralysis. If she is not suffering it may be worth trying her with a supplement Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted May 3, 2011 Share Posted May 3, 2011 Could be any of the above, kidney disease or tumours will also show the same symptoms. Sorry to say this, but I'd advise despatching her if she's still the same after 24 hours. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hello123 Posted May 7, 2011 Author Share Posted May 7, 2011 The poor little chicken died peacefully on Monday night which was very upsetting but put her out of her misery. Thanks so much for alll your time and help. Sorry if I may have sounded a bit rude but I just felt a bit desperate watching her die, Thankyou so much Eloise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted May 7, 2011 Share Posted May 7, 2011 So sad for you. You didn't sound rude at all Eloise and I know how desperate it feels when you have a chicken in crisis. She's at peace now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppy ben grace Posted May 7, 2011 Share Posted May 7, 2011 So sorry you lost your little chicken. Its never easy seeing them suffer, we all know what its like. You did what you could for her and i am sure she had a happy life with you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
