16 week old pullet w/leg weakness

[1657Farm2012]

Our 16 week old Barred Rock has recently started showing some weakness while walking/standing. She walks almost like she's had too much to drink... slow and wobbly. When she stops walking, she just plops down. She is eating and drinking just fine. Stool is normal. Eyes are clear and alert. No signs of any sores or bumps/lumps on feet or legs. She doesn't sleep on the roost as it appears that she is not able to hold on. Though she is able to run away rather quickly when chased by the others.

We have verified that she has been vaccinated for Marek's.

We are totally stumped!

Any advice would greatly be appreciated.

 

[leadwolf1]

Two things come to mind. First, vitamin deficiency. Try .5mls of Poly vi sol, without iron daily, 400 ius of vitamin E twice daily. This can take up to two weeks to show a difference.

Second. She is at the right age to start showing symptoms of Marek's. It usually hits right before or right after POL. Being vaccinated does not stop a bird from getting Marek's. It merely stops them from developing the tumors.

 

[1657Farm2012]

We are thinking it might be Marek's.

We feed them good quality food (50/50 blend of Purina starter and organic layer feed). Plus they all get fresh fruits and greens. So we don't suspect a vitamin deficiency.

 

[leadwolf1]

She is too young for layer feed. Too much calcium can cause liver/kidney damage in young birds. There are several documented cases of that here on byc..through necropsy findings.

For some reason, some birds do not manage to get enough vitamins from their feed. It can be 1 out of ? that doesn't metabolize the feed as it should. It just doesn't matter what food they are given.

The only way that you will know for sure what you are dealing with is if she were to die, have a necropsy performed. That way, you will know whether she is contagious or not. If you suspect Marek's, I would advise you go have one done. I have lost 35+ birds in the last year to Marek's. It is a ruthless disease.

 

[1657Farm2012]

Thanks to all for your replies.

As I mentioned, we feed them a 50/50 mix of starter & layer feed, also known as "developer" feed that is recommended for them from 12-20 weeks old (or until they start laying eggs.)

After further observation, it appears that there is more weakness in her right leg. Thinking maybe she has a knee injury. She doesn't show any signs of distress when touching any part of her legs though. Which is making this hard to determine what the issue is.

Can anyone recommend an avian vet in the Sacramento, CA area?