[Texas Chicken]

I have Black Australorps that turned 20 weeks old today.  Last Friday, we received our first egg and I also noticed one hen acting a little odd.  She was walking slower, she seemed weak, when bumpped by another hen she would loose her balance and have to put her wing down.  She is eating, drinking and pooping.  She sit a lot more than she used to.  I kept her in isolation last night and most of taody and she did not lay an egg.  She is not as perky as she used to be and the fact that she is off balance, stumbles a little and seem wabbley is concerning.  I noticed her wattle seem to have shrunk.  Any suggestions?

[Aunt Sally]

It sounds as if she could have a condition called Marek's disease.  It's not certain but a possibility.  Have a read of this web site http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/90/mareks-disease

It is also possible that she is a bit short of calcium having just come into lay.  This can cause muscle weakness and make her a bit wobbly.  I would give her some yogurt for a few days, which has the right balance of calcium and phosphorous.  Some people think that chickens can't digest lactose but I've never had a problem when giving them yogurt.

There are other problems it could be too so do keep us updated with her progress. 

If it's possible for you to isolate her but so that she can still see the others until you decide what her problem is it would be a good idea.

[joyfull]

I also give mine probiotic yohurt Aunty as it helps with the good bacteria in their gut and gives them calcium, without having any problems.

[grumpydad]

we were told by the vet that we could give complan to help boost ours up....strawberry of course, never chicken....
symptoms sound similar to those that we have had. sorry but we have lost 3 out of 6 so far...very sorry, hope it is something less severe.

martyn