[samuria]

 one of my large buff orpingtons went broody along with my few bantams.
as usual  i turfed out the bantams but left the old hen (she's 6).
today i turfed her out as well picking her up a putting her in the run.
well i was shocked she was falling over and seemed drunk.
checked her legs they seemed ok and not hot.
while holding her i rubbed her left leg which seemed the one she faulterd  on.
been trying this on and off all day. but no joy. her joints move ok as when i pull her leg her toes move.
took her to food and water she ate and drank ok. put her in the coop now.
any thoughts on this please?

[New shoot]

It could be something simple like dehydration and lack of food, if she has been trying to out-broody some of the younger hens. 

See how she is tomorrow and make sure she eats and drinks at least a couple of times each day.  If it is just that, you should see a fairly rapid improvement. 

[samuria]

thanks new shoot. that's  a bit of relief, her and her sister are my old favorites.
had for a few years now (6).well checked her when  i
lock them up she's back to the same spot were
she's been broody. will get her out after the young have been running round, for food and water,
hope it works

[New shoot]

Fingers crossed that is all it is.  Dehydration, overheating and not eating will take most people down, let alone an old lady hen 

[samuria]

well i got her out from under the droppings board, took her to the food hopper
and water. she had a couple of pecks and a small drink. then put her back in the coop.
yesterday she ate a lot more than that, still struggles and can't stand without falling on her side.
will get her out later this afternoon and try again,

[New shoot]

Oh dear 

Maybe a stroke then?  If you have a vet nearby that is any good with chickens, it might be worth a visit.

[samuria]

tried again this morning but sadly no joy. might have to
put the poor girl to sleep.....

[samuria]

well i suppose it would come to this... she would not eat or drink at all.
i put some food and water in bowls  near her in the coop ... no joy.
her crop was empty. so i done the deed. and buried her in the garden 

[New shoot]

It was the best thing to do. That doesn’t make it any more horrible to have to deal with, but you did her the last kindness that you could.

Poor old hen had obviously just pushed herself too far 

[samuria]

yes its sad. but i was always taught by my father, if you have animals no matter
 what it is you are there keeper. respect them and treat them right. never let them suffer.
 we come from a shooting family. and that's where he learnt. kill for food and not for fun.
let nothing suffer in the process .