Chicken off her feet

[PopsAndHen]

Hi everyone,

I'm just popping on as I'm looking for some wisdom from the wonderful BYC community.

I found my Pekin Bantam, Norma, flopped at the bottom of her coop yesterday evening. She hadn't been able to make it up the ramp. She was pale, her wings were droopy, she was lethargic and her breathing was heavy and laboured. I brought her inside to keep her warm, offered her fresh water, scrambled egg and strawberries, all of which she refused. Based on previous experiences, I assumed that she likely wouldn't make the night.

Today, I found the strawberries and half the scrambled egg eaten. She'd laid a very soft shelled egg and was bright, alert and clucking. However she is wobbly on her feet, and walking with a strange "tip-toe" stance. I've attached a video for you to see.

I've had her out in the garden today. She's continued to eat strawberries, scrambled egg, corn and some of her regular feed. I'm just not sure what to do about the weakness in her legs. She doesn't have any obvious signs of Bumblefoot/injury/scaly leg mite.

My mind has gone to Marek's, so I've isolated her. Norma has been vaccinated against Marek's. However I've also read vitamin B2 deficiency could cause weakness in the leg. I'm hoping it's the latter and will be getting some supplements asap tomorrow (any home remedy suggestions I could start tonight before getting the supplements would be greatly appreciated!) and will be booking a vets appointment.

Does anybody recognise Norma's walk? Do you think this is more likely Marek's than B2 deficiency?

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[Eggcessive]

How old is she? I would give Norma a human calcium citrate tablet with vitamin D orally once a day for the next 7 days, to help make her shells harden and to help her push out the eggs. You can also offer some human vitamin B complex 1/2 tablet daily in food. Is she getting a layer feed and offered crushed oyster shell for extra calcium? I would offer some wet chicken feed made fresh with a bit of egg.