Maureen3 Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Hi I am new to this forum. Thought I would ask if anybody has experience with lame hens due to transit stress? I have increased my flock with 3 new birds Maizie and April 2 black rocks, and Juno a blue bell. I also have 2 silver laced wyandots Hattie and Penny plus a red star Amber, white star May and another blue bell, named Bell. My last experience of adding to my flock was not great either Hattie and Penny went down with bronchitis. All recovered thankfully. Even when keeping the new birds separate it has been a worrying experience both times. Has anyone had these problems. Thanks Mohenni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted August 8, 2011 Share Posted August 8, 2011 Not aware of a specific problem to do with transition, but I wonder if there has been a bit of chasing around going on, and one of them has been injured as a result? I say this because I've had this happen very recently, I introduced two new hens and when one of them flew up to get away from the top chook she injured her leg. It wasn't serious, she was standing on it again the next day - I'd check that the bird isn't flinching if you touch it, and that her toes are curling normally, and if so it's likely to be just a sprain or bruise which will sort itself out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maureen3 Posted August 9, 2011 Author Share Posted August 9, 2011 Thanks Olly for reply. Unfortunately had to call the vet in all three birds are limping and have been prescribed synulox a penicillin based antibiotic. It is a staph infection which occurs when birds have been taken out of the enviroment they are used to and mixed amongst other birds. Just like we get sore throats, birds hough joint is affected in the same way. Hope they get better soon. Maizie is particularly poorly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Well done for acting so quickly. Hope they perk up soon. Alli x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 Sorry to hear that, and thanks for posting the update, as this isn't something I have ever heard of - it may be useful to others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maureen3 Posted August 9, 2011 Author Share Posted August 9, 2011 Syringing small amounts of water down their beaks is the job for today. Will keep you posted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maureen3 Posted August 10, 2011 Author Share Posted August 10, 2011 Thanks Alli. Maizie my poorest black rock is still hanging in there but no real improvement. My blue belle Juno is limping more and April is going to be left with a limp as the damage was too far gone. We just have to see how things go in the hen gate. My other girls are all ok so far. All are miserable with the rain we have had this week. Not pleasant for nursing duties outside. Mohenni Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 Sorry to hear that - hope things start to improve for them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maureen3 Posted August 11, 2011 Author Share Posted August 11, 2011 Well folks update on the hen gate. Maizie had to be put to sleep today. She had no use of her leg whatsoever. The illness had gone systemic and we lost the fight. April and Juno are lame and will probably remain this way as the damage has been done to their hough joint. My only worry now is that this illness does not spread to the rest of my flock. Decided I am not introducing any new birds to my flock again. Instead I will get fertilised eggs and let my 2 broodies Hattie and Penny sit on them. They will make amazing Mums. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
