Chicken can no longer walk: what to do?

A chicken is more likely to become unable to walk, limp, weak on its feet, or sag its hindquarters. Then you need to research the cause in order to be able to react correctly.

injuries

If the chicken suddenly stops walking or limps badly, the cause may be an injury. This can be the case, for example, when getting caught in a fence, by an attack from a Fox or other predators as well as through fights with other chickens. Pain, swelling and fractures then prevent the chicken from walking.

Act right

Examine the affected chicken quickly for possible injuries. In addition to the extremities, also look at the hips and buttocks, because that's where the extended "treadmills" and tendons reach. If you recognize a wound, the right action depends on the type of injury:

Type of injury	Treatment
Severe sensitivity to touch with severe swelling, possibly an open wound and deformity of the affected extremity	visit the veterinarian quickly for clarification and treatment of a possible fracture
superficial wound	Clean with isopropanol several times a day
Clean with isopropanol several times a day	wait a maximum of two days, observe swelling and walking behavior at shorter intervals; no improvement, consult a veterinarian
deep, gaping wound	to the vet for stitches to prevent infection

In any case, you should immediately isolate the affected animal.

joint problems

Sprains and joint osteoarthritis, especially in older animals, are more common in chickens. The chicken has pain when moving, limping or not being able to walk at all. Osteoarthritis of the joint can also affect the hip, which means that the animal can no longer put the leg on the affected side down, or can only do so with pain. A sprain is often accompanied by a slight swelling, but it doesn't have to be.

Act right

If there is arthrosis in the joints, palpation of the joints can provide an indication. Some of the joints are slightly swollen and the chickens are sensitive to pain when they are gripped tightly. If this is the case, you should visit the veterinarian so that he can confirm the diagnosis and start a promising treatment and/or at least relieve the pain. Insulation and a dry barn are important now.

A sprain usually hurts the area around a joint because it primarily affects the ligaments and tendons, making the chicken appear weak on its feet. Now the animal needs rest, which is why you should keep it protected and isolated from its own kind and everything else that is exciting. A sprain usually resolves on its own within a few days.

Bacterial infection and parasitic infestation

The most common causes of lameness in chickens include internal inflammation and parasitic infestation. Especially worms and the mites are widespread. Inflammation leading to lameness is mainly found in the ovaries. Running movements can cause this severe pain, causing the chickens to relax and hang their limbs as if paralyzed.

Act right

Infections and parasite infestations must be treated quickly because they can cause life-threatening situations if left untreated. It is therefore important to recognize the first suspicions of a disease and to contact the doctor for effective countermeasures.

The following abnormalities can indicate a disease and a parasite infestation:

• weak on his feet, general listlessness and disinterest
• decreased appetite
• changed behavior
• Spring picking or increased spring failure

Marek's disease

Marek's disease is a virus that primarily affects chicks and young chickens up to about five months of age. The disease usually ends fatally. Only tough, tough chickens stand a chance of surviving them.

The viral disease manifests itself as follows:

• Signs of paralysis in the hind limbs
• possibly blindness and/or pupillary changes
• raised legs or limp when walking
• completely uncoordinated movement sequences possible
• in the later stage of the disease, swellings can be felt on the legs
• unusual skin changes appear in chicks from the fifth or sixth week of life
• other distinguishing features can only be determined by a veterinarian, as they relate to internal organs

Act right

There is currently no therapy for Marek's virus disease. Very weak and suffering chickens should be relieved quickly. Subsequent disinfection of the stable and enclosure is important in order to kill the virus, which can survive without a host for over a year and infect other chickens. At the same time, the conspecifics should be vaccinated against the virus immediately, because this is the only way to protect the population through prevention.

nutrient deficiency

Chickens have specific nutritional needs that need to be met. Otherwise, deficiency symptoms occur, which can manifest themselves in lameness and problems with walking and standing. A lack of vitamins C and D in particular can lead to bone and joint problems, which can go so far that the chicken can no longer walk properly.

Act right

Check the feed and the feed behavior in terms of ration and nutrients. You have to react when the affected chicken receives far too little feed, for example because other dominant and greedy chickens keep it away or you offer nutrient-poor feed:

• feed displaced chickens in separate areas
• Exchange low-nutrient feed for a balanced diet
• rely on vitamins C and D as well as lime and special chicken vitamins 

We also recommend checking with a veterinarian.

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