ChickenNotWalking

[MichaelB51]

Hi,
So my chicken doesn't seem to be able to walk. She uses her wings to get from here to there. Very short distance to take the weight off her feet when flat on the ground. She uses her wings to take the weight off when sitting putting her chest on something using her elbows and her toes are extended. Like her feet in a triangle or pyramid... on her toes and nails so the center of her foot doesn't get weight on it. And the weight on the elbows and looks for something to put her chest on and uses her wings for balance. I've pressed there and she doesn't do anything or complain. But one day she was walking around with everyone and then this. It's been about 4 months now. I'm taking a week or two travel and I'm worried. I set up her food and clean her because if she doesn't move and I don't see it, she drags her poop and dries in her tail. I'd like to help her. She's understanding how it works when I set some foam chunk down to prop her chest on and weight on her elbows, triangle up so to balance the elbows and weight and using her wings for support. Or my boots. She'll lean on the toe.

 

[chickens really]

Holy smokes. Possible mereks, reproductive issues, tumours, something could be pressing on her sciatic nerve? Back injury.

 

[micstrachan]

So sorry about your girl. Is someone able to check in on her while you are away? When do you leave?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi,
So my chicken doesn't seem to be able to walk. She uses her wings to get from here to there. Very short distance to take the weight off her feet when flat on the ground. She uses her wings to take the weight off when sitting putting her chest on something using her elbows and her toes are extended. Like her feet in a triangle or pyramid... on her toes and nails so the center of her foot doesn't get weight on it. And the weight on the elbows and looks for something to put her chest on and uses her wings for balance. I've pressed there and she doesn't do anything or complain. But one day she was walking around with everyone and then this. It's been about 4 months now. I'm taking a week or two travel and I'm worried. I set up her food and clean her because if she doesn't move and I don't see it, she drags her poop and dries in her tail. I'd like to help her. She's understanding how it works when I set some foam chunk down to prop her chest on and weight on her elbows, triangle up so to balance the elbows and weight and using her wings for support. Or my boots. She'll lean on the toe.

Hi @MichaelB51

Can you post some photos of your chicken?
How old is she?
What do you feed her?
Where are you located in the world (state/country)?
Do you have someone who will be taking care of her while you are gone?
Where do you keep her?

Hopefully with more information and photos, we can give you some suggestions.

Have you ever tried placing in a chicken sling to see if that makes her more comfortable?

 

[MichaelB51]

Holy smokes. Possible mereks, reproductive issues, tumours, something could be pressing on her sciatic nerve? Back injury.

Thank you I will look into this. She is older. Didn't think of tumor or anything like that. So I'll check more articles. Thank you.

 

[MichaelB51]

So sorry about your girl. Is someone able to check in on her while you are away? When do you leave?

I'm worried a little about that. My brother and sister-in-law will feed her. I know they'll do their best but probably won't clean her if needed. I'm a little worried but they've watched before when I went to give a clay workshop. Thank you! I'll post a picture because someone asked me too. Maybe that will help. I don't think it's a tumor as some suggested but then again, how would I know. I just love this chicken!

 

[Eggcessive]

If she will tolerate a homemade chicken sling, it will keep her clean and in front of her food and water, making it easier to care for her while you are gone. It helps to take them out to stretch and sleep often. Since she is used to crawling around on her abdomen, she might not like the sling, but worth a try. Here is a link with more pictures of what people have made:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/

The basic sling looks like this with a hole or each leg, and a third hole or opening in the back for the droppings to fallaway from her. You can put these on a box, cage, or hang from above:

 

[Eggcessive]

This sling shows how the cups for food and water are attached to a sling or chair where the chicken can eat and drink.

 

[micstrachan]

I thought about the sling, but not sure Ivwoukd recommend it if nobody is there to watch her. Thoughts @Eggcessive ?

 

[Eggcessive]

I thought about the sling, but not sure Ivwoukd recommend it if nobody is there to watch her. Thoughts @Eggcessive ?

I would try it before the trip just to see how she tolerates it, and show the caretakers how to get her in and out. But, since she is used to crawling with her wings, I would do what she is most comfortable doing. Slings are not for use 24/7, but they are good if the chicken does not try to get out of it. They can be hazardous if not used properly or if she gets herself hung up. It might be best to build one and wait until you get back to use it.