St Helens on her back

25 Sep 2012, 13:34

I found my St Helens hen on her back in the avairy this morning. At first i thought i was witnessing her last moments - then she started trying to turn over-she was just like a turtle on its back unable to turn. After i helped her she hopped away. She can't fly so i have popped her into our hospital box with the heat on. One of her legs seems to be on a bit of angle? I've never seen any bird act this way. Any ideas anyone?

25 Sep 2012, 13:54

she may of had a night fright...hit wire and maybe slightly concussed....

25 Sep 2012, 15:31

I've just had to turn her over twice while in the hospital box - thought she was dead again. Once upright she seems fine but a bit wobbly. I'm worried she will fall backwards into her water and drown. She's totally unable to roll herself over. Thinking I might have to take her to the vet but can't get there till thursday.

25 Sep 2012, 18:58

If it is concussion how long will it last. I still keep finding her on her back. Its really strange because there are a couple of perches in the hospital box and she has no problem hopping up on them and she is eating the tonic seed I put in there.

25 Sep 2012, 20:02

had a thought....do you have any white powdery substance on your wire? Maybe zinc poisoning? Hopefully one of the vets on here may have better idea.......

25 Sep 2012, 21:54

Thanks for that, I havn't noticed any but will check in the morning. It seems that when she falls asleep she topples onto her back, she was also fussing at her ring so we've taken it off. Can anything be done if it is zinc poisoning.

26 Sep 2012, 10:31

When you catch her up look at the spine. Is it straight? I have a Gouldian cock who was attacked by something (I suspect the nasty little honeyeaters) and they pulled his wing so hard his spine was bent. Since then he occassionally looses his balance when hopping from perch to perch and falls to his back on the ground. He can not fly. But the redheaded chick is proof that he can still do the deed. Mostly he gets himself up, but if I see it happen I right him as it is a struggle and takes time.
LML

26 Sep 2012, 17:24

I can't really tell if there is anything going on with her spine. When she is upright she seems ok although she cant fly at all. We had her out on the floor last night and she just hopped about a bit clumsily. I was surprised she lasted the night upright. I have turned her over about 6 times today.

26 Sep 2012, 17:38

Probably won't go down well, but I'd switch her lights out if she were mine.

26 Sep 2012, 21:32

Tiaris wrote:Probably won't go down well, but I'd switch her lights out if she were mine.

I agree with Tiaris,it's better to be kind than cruel,do the deed and go and buy another.If it does come good ,how do you know that its not going to pass on its condition to young or others. Craig