Mareks or injury??

If the roosts are high and there isn't enough padding on the ground it can result to a leg injury; especially in heavy breeds (Like Jersey Giants, Delawares, Brahmas) Try to pick her up and examine the leg to see if there's any swollen area on the legs and toes.

I've dealt with marek's also, the do rest a lot, and the drag a leg behind, but if the paralysis spreads up their legs it can spread to the other one so they can't move as much. There really is no cure to marek's unless you vaccinate them when their chicks. If the chicken is over a year or 2 usually the won't get marek's or are immune. 

I think the only thing you can do right now is treat it as an injury unless you see more signs of Marek's.  If a limp progresses to paralysis in both legs, wing walking, wasting away, then I would say Marek's.  But right now, she's just limping, and may have hurt herself.  I had a hen once who limped badly for over a month.  I don't know how she got hurt, but it took a while for her to get better.

I don't know.  I've had a few limpers and I rested them for a day or two, or they just got better.  Sometimes you don't know what  or where to treat.  I've had one broken leg chicken from a neighbor.  Her leg was dangling and useless, she couldn't move it.  From feeling it, I could tell that the break was right below the knee, so it was just rest for 4 weeks, in a sling.

I'm very glad to hear that, Jade.  It's good to be aware of Marek's, but no one should jump to conclusions unless their flock history sortof points that way. 

Yay! That's great! 

Quote:

Originally Posted by JadeLamson 

RELIEF - it's just an injury!!!
I took her to the vet today as it seems worse and he is pretty confidant it's not Mareks, yeehaaa big happy dance here!!! He feels it is an injury or bite and only bruising, doesn't think the bone is broken or damaged. So sweet little Audrey is now on metacam and more antibiotics and taking them ever so well for me. Thanks all for your posts and advice, very much appreciated.
One very relieved chicken owner signing off for now

Along the same lines as previous posts, last week I had a pullet who would curl her toes and then move her leg back to spread them out.  she then started using her wings to balance.  then she started flopping over.  she would eat and drink and no discharge.  was vaccinated when i got her at one week.  had to cull her because she went down hill fast.   the next day I went out to get her and her sister was all puffy and sleepy but standing.  both were brahmas.  by the time i went back out after being online for a diagnosis she was gone.  now i have a barred rock who is gasping for air and screaming afterward.  has been about 3 days and she is very thin.  another barred has a leg injury i think and is hopping around to eat and drink.  have no idea what is going on.  HELP.