listing when walking

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We have an almost 4mo hen that looks awful, but appears alert & relaxed. She is drinking & eating & able to get on & off her roost.

She is however listing when she walks casually. If really focused on getting to feed, etc, she can beeline it there. But moving more slowly lists to left or right, almost like neurological issue.

Is this just part of her first molt? I’ve never seen such a ghastly molt! What can I give her to support whatever is going on here?

For reference: We have 36 birds in our “chicken village.” 3 coops that are open for them to come/go/feed/water/roost as they please. We have 3 generations of chickens (not all same breeds/related) in the village & 6 Guinneas just for kicks.

We have had EXTREME weather, 8” of snow, so all birds have been opting to roost together in the largest Hoop Coop which really should only accommodate 24 birds. But, it’s cold! We have cleared the ground around the perimeter of the village (walking path) so our electric net still works & the birds can “touch grass” (we all need it ). We also have one interior path open to one other coop/food/water/roost option. Water is heated. Feed & supplements are free choice.

I don’t plan to take her to the vet. If I can get help with diagnosis I have a natural vet book for chickens & lots of resources on hand.

Thank you in advance for sharing your experiences & expertise.

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

She looks like shes moulting, though chickens usually moult when their 16-18months old…
Can you check her for mites or lice?
Could you upload a video (you'll have to post it on youtube first) of her walking?
Whats her diet?

 

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She looks like shes moulting, though chickens usually moult when their 16-18months old…
Can you check her for mites or lice?
Could you upload a video (you'll have to post it on youtube first) of her walking?
Whats her diet?

We feed pelleted 15% egg ration, compost/veggie items (bell pepper seeds, spinach, pumpkin & other squash seeds, etc), & a supplementary mix of grains from a local mill that includes: Corn, oats, soy beans, molasses, vitamin, mineral, oyster shell, calcium, yeast, sea kelp, probiotics, flax, marigolds.

Here is a video of her walking in the coop this morning:

Have never had lice or mites on our birds, but will look up how to check for them. Thanks!

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

We feed pelleted 15% egg ration, compost/veggie items (bell pepper seeds, spinach, pumpkin & other squash seeds, etc), & a supplementary mix of grains from a local mill that includes: Corn, oats, soy beans, molasses, vitamin, mineral, oyster shell, calcium, yeast, sea kelp, probiotics, flax, marigolds.

Here is a video of her walking in the coop this morning:

Have never had lice or mites on our birds, but will look up how to check for them. Thanks!

@Eggcessive
Could you check whether her eyesight is ok too?

 

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@Eggcessive
Could you check whether her eyesight is ok too?

Eyesight appears fine; she was able to intentionally jump on & off roost, beelined for door out of coop (knew exactly where she was going) & is pecking with intentionality around the yard & at supplementary feed, picking out what she likes - namely corn & sunflower seeds

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

Eyesight appears fine; she was able to intentionally jump on & off roost, beelined for door out of coop (knew exactly where she was going) & is pecking with intentionality around the yard & at supplementary feed, picking out what she likes - namely corn & sunflower seeds

Ok, thats good at least!
I'm wondering whether she could be lacking in some vitamins, which could cause neurological symptoms. Perhaps give her some electrolytes, or add a nutrient-boost to her water.