Quail, not chickens, sorry

[pollyglot]

I inherited two girl quail with the house I bought 3 years ago. I'm guessing that they must be possibly 5 years old. They have their own little nest boxes and open space inside the enclosed chicken run. The chickens have now passed on to the great coop in the sky. One of them recently began staggering drunkenly, and now, for the last 4 days, is paralysed in the legs, but can shuffle about using her wings. She needs careful nursing, but is eating and drinking well. Is there any hope of her ever recovering? The other bird has had to be removed from the quail house as she attacks the injured/ill one. Would it be kinder to have my DH put her out of her misery, painlessly? Your experiences with this ailment and suggestions most appreciated.

They are a very good age for Quail. I expect the end is near. Unless your DH is experienced in such things I suggest a trip to the vets to be PTS it will take seconds and won't cost much at all.

Thank you so very much for your reply. I don't want her to suffer, so yes, I think it's time to let her go.

5 is a really decent age for quail, they have obviously had very good care.

Thank you HHHH. I'm grateful for your reply.

The healthy one will pick on the sick one, so separating them is needed. Once they taste blood they seem to go a bit mad, they will peck at the sick one and eventually draw blood.

I would get a vet to PTS, I've had a vet do this with a quail and it cost £20.

5 years is a great age!

BlaMonVi
Thank you so much also for your contribution.

EGGSHELLent news! Little Kawaii the Japanese quail is thoroughly enjoying life. She has even laid two eggs in the last two days and has finished off all the grit in the feeder! Still fluttering about but steadier on her feet and definitely stronger. Think I'll see how things go at the moment...
Cheers, and thanks again,
Polly.

That's wonderful! It's sad when they're not well.