SUSSEX HEN

[QUATRO]

I've had three Sussex hens and a cockerel for 14 weeks now (see SUSSEX COCKEREL story below - cockerel is fine now). I noticed some time back that one hen had a strange gait when running and then realised she was limping from time to time. This came and went, so I didn't worry. However, this last week her limp has returned in a serious fashion, to the extent that she spends a lot of time sitting around without putting pressure on her right leg. She seems perfectly healthy in all other ways. The vet has put her on Tylan to check if it is an infection of the joints (though she doesn't flinch when I examine her, manipulating all joints in her leg and foot). While the Tylan is doing its work, I just thought I'd ask the forum if there is anyone out there who has had similar experiences with a chicken of theirs and if they had any advice or suggestions. Rheumatic chickens! Whatever next? Cheers.

[Diane]

If the vet has checked her out and treated her with Tylan (a previous brush with mycoplasma may have infected her joints) then I expect both you and the vet will have checked for bumblefoot as well.

It does seem a shame - but she may just have injured herself jumping off a perch or turning awkwardly and pulled a muscle. Anti-inflammatory drugs may help - but that's all the suggestions I can think of.

Hope she gets better soon.

[Chantal]

Some years ago I had a cockerel with bumblefoot and it was very obvious what was wrong as there was a big yellow growth which cleared up but left him with a deformed foot. He'd apparently cut his foot allowing the infection to get in.

If it should be bumblefoot starting up, don't let your vet say that it's not worth treating. My vet was highly sceptical and even afterwards when it was sorted, still thought Alex should be put down. As he was fine except for a pronounced limp I kept him and he lived for another happy 6 years. One thing I have learnt the hard way is that vets still know very little about "pet" chickens!

[QUATRO]

Thanks for your replies re bumblefoot. The vet has not seen her yet and said to try Tylan before putting her and my pocket under the stress of taking her to the surgery. He was satisfied at my thorough examination of hen and there is certainly nothing abnormal to the eye - only the limp. Of course, the next day, before I gave the Tylan in hen drinkwater, she seemed to be much better - typical! Still limping a bit but much improved today. Unfortunately, in the last two days the cockerel has discovered sex and is targeting limping hen as she is the one that can't run away quickly enough! It never rains, but it pours! I don't know if any of you have noticed, but if you talk about a sick hen to anyone who doesn't have chickens , the first thing they come out with is how to wring a chicken's neck! One person even told me how to kill a chicken by putting a knife down its throat!!! And generally the only advice was the variety of ways one can execute the poor birds rather than care for them! Yuk!

[pongeroon]

Mmmmm, reminds me of a time when I was working for someone who had a very poorly chicken. She wanted someone to dispatch it but didn't know of anyone (that she would allow on her prmises!).
I said my new boyfriend was a country lad and would probably be able to do the job quickly and efficiently.
'WHAAAAT?' she shrieked 'your'e going out with a chicken strangler?????'
She left the run open and let the fox get the poor chicken.

Eight years on and I've not seen him strangle a chicken yet...

[RAREBREDCHICK]

Hi I have had Sussex chickens for a number of years and they have always been a very fit, healthy breed for me. I would recommend both large fowl and bantams as well as various crosses.

I would suggest you contact the breeder for advice, presumably they are an experienced keeper and should be very willing to help you. Which particular type of Sussex have you got?

Make sure you promptly seperate her from the cockeral, either by removing him or her, as he could cause further damage.

[QUATRO]

Thanks for your advice rarebredchick. My Sussex are columbian feather markings,which I believe to be the most common. I chose them because of their friendly nature and because they are a hardy breed. Such is my luck!

The hen is now almost completely better, with only a slight sign of the limp. So whether this was her natural recovery (as it started before medication was given) or as a result of the Tylan, one doesn't know. Going to chat to the vet tomorrow. Thank you all for your help and advice. Cheers, Quatro.