Lame hen , mareks ??

[ziggy]

Hi all I've a lame hen , she's 3.5 yrs old hybrid
Two days ago I noticed she seems to only hop around with one leg , or has pain in it ??
There's no sign of a cut / attack from anything , she's now just fed up and crouching ,
But with soft faecis showing ! Could thus be mareks ? And is it still ok to eat her eggs , albeit she hasn't layed any since I noticed her lameness
And I've now segregated her for the good of all of them , until I can figure it out .
Regards Simon

 

[chrismahon]

No Bumblefoot Simon? Then it is most likely a sprained knee, foot or hip. The heat at each joint will tell you. Chickens legs are cold- compare one to the other. If no sign of heat in the lower joints it is the hip.

Failing that she could be going off her legs, which is a neurological problem with some breeds. Mareks is highly unlikely. The others would have it unless you have recently introduced new hybrids that have had a Mareks immunisation, as they will be carriers?

 

[ziggy]

I havnt introduced any new birds , I have 6 others who seem fine , and been together for a while , I don't know what bumble foot is ?
Si if she does lay eggs , itl be ok to eat them ?

Regards Simon ,

 

[chrismahon]

Eggs will be fine but if she's in pain she won't lay. Bumble foot is a wound in the pad or underside of the foot that has got infected. On inspection you will see swelling and a round scab. The infection is under that. Often caused by impact damage due to perches too high -18" maximum or much less for heavy breeds like Orpingtons.

 

[clairebear5]

I have a cockeral cochin who cant stand very well,checked for bumble foot but nothing there,flinches when we move his right leg around...totally bemused by whats wrong with him !

 

[ziggy]

Thank you , il give it a look ,

 

[chrismahon]

Sounds like a joint sprain Claire. Our Bottom has a repeating problem with his right foot and his left hip -poor old thing!