1 dead-1 can't walk~~~UPDATE!

[NJbirdlover]

Quote:
Well we had 12 now we are down to 11 and they have all been together since the beginning.....I just dont know!!!

 

[posey]

I have an Australorp in the house right now. Mine seem to have a respiratory thing going on. This one was doing the curled foot thing, only one foot. I know it's not injured and probably has something to do with her being sick and run down. She's on antibiotics. Not Marek's for me either, same as yours.

She is looking much better this morning her eye is looking better and she is standing on both feet.

By the by, do your australorps have all black heads now? Do they have any white feathers on their wings?

Just wondering when mine will get the grown up look.

Hope things will continue to improve for you
Posey

 

[NJbirdlover]

They...or I should say she still does have a little white on the feathers. Are BA's more prone to an illness over others?? I have 2 RIR, 2 BO, 2 EE, 2 SS, 2 BR and HAD 2 BA's. All of the other chickens are fine! It's just weird that this would only happen to the BA'a...don't you think?

 

[Judy]

It is my understanding that the Marek's vaccine only protects against certain strains, and they can still get other strains.

Since it is just the australorps, one wonders whether there was a genetic problem at the hatchery for that breed.

You might try reading some of Glenda Heywood's posts about probiotic mash and vitamins for neurological conditions, and give that a try. Some chickens seem to need more of certain vitamins than others.

 

[AHappychick]

yes the mareks vaccine is not 100 % can you look for other mareks symptoms they are at the age where this could be the issue. check her eyes are either dialated or mishapen or grey?

 

[NJbirdlover]

ok thanks I will check her eyes, how likely is it for my flock to be exposed to diseases? I live in the country-not too close to neighbors, never any chickens on my property and we used "coop" shoes that don't leave our property?

Pearl looked like she could stand a bit, she can place her foot flat but can't put any weight on it.
If this is Mareks or something else wouldn't I have seen some kind of signs?? We are out with these chickens every day.

...ok going to check eyes now

 

[pips&peeps]

It sounds like marek's to me. Who did the vaccination of your birds?

 

[Wynette]

Lisa, I read all posts as well, and my first thought was Mareks like a few others questioned. She's the right age, and Mareks can be found everywhere; birds can be carriers of it, and there are many forms. Unfortunately, the vaccine is only about 80% effective against the virus (I could be wrong on my percentage).

If your girl has the use of ONE of her legs but not the other, I would suspect Mareks, and I would encourage you to contact a member called horsejody - she has dealt with Mareks and knows a lot about it. Also, she's had a few that she nursed back to health...it takes a LONG time, but those that do live end up doing okay. She's a really nice person, too!

Whatever it is, I wish you the VERY best of luck!

 

[posey]

To a happy chick: when you say 'misshapen eye' what do you mean?

some of you have probably read my other posts about the dying silkie and brahma.

I had 5 Autralorps, now 4, cause one was so bad and I am so tired of trying to diagnose (going on 3 weeks now) I took her and one of my near death bramas to the State animal disease diagnostic lab, yesterday, so of course they are gone now.

The vet found nothing to report to me, the brahma had a couple of worms but he said not a serious infestation.

They are checking for AI or MG but won't know til next week.

The Australorp I took to the lab had really weird looking eyes, at least to me. They looked rather scary? The eyeball it'self seemed too small for the eye socket - very out of place looking. Just odd but no swelling.

Also, wondering when chicks should be wormed if at all. Help here?
If so what should I use?

The Australorp in the house is looking better she is moving around more but sits a lot. Her sore eye is not as red or swollen. She definately has a respiratory thing and is on LS50. Slow improvement.

NJ: where did you get your australorps from? We live in NC and purchased from a private owner who does buy from a hatchery in IL I think? I'll have to check on that.

My problem covers all of the breeds that I have but weird that you are having a problem with the aussies too.

I will read up on Mareks, thanks all. I just thought it was not going to be a problem, sigh.

 

[NJbirdlover]

ok, I checked on Pearl and she seems to be doing ok. Her eyes look fine to me-clear and nothing out of the ordinary. She can stand on her leg now but doen't walk on it-is this a good sign or just typical of Mareks??
I cant believe this maybe Mareks, I have really taken good care of these chickens and to have this happen is heartbreaking.

Does anyone know of any articles on this so I can read up on it?

Posey- We got our chicks out of Ohio-they all arrived healthy..no losses at all up to now