18 week old chicken with suspected leg paralysis. Mareks? Other causes?

[Nambroth]

It's been 5-6 months and she may improve. If you think her quality of life is poor, I would euthanize. But, seems like she's happy at this time. I've only had 1 hen that had Marek's paralysis and recovered and that was 3 years ago. It took her about 2 months. I never thought I would see one get better.

I've had a nearly identical experience with a rooster. It took him a long time to get his legs back working, and they still aren't right, but he can get around and has a good quality of life. I suppose it really comes down to that-- if their quality of life is good, I let them stay around and we enjoy each other's presence very much for the time my bird has.

 

[Pistachionut]

She passed away this morning. We had the next door neighbour's dog get through the wooden fence yesterday and he attacked our lovely chicken. She seemed ok, but I found blood on her tummy and she had a small wound. I disinfected it and put her on some towels with food and water and gave her some love, but by evening she wasn't vocal at all (usually very chatty) and wasn't drinking. I guess the attack was just too much for her. Before the attack, she was doing so well all things considering. I can only hope we did the right thing keeping her alive as long as we did and that she was happy.

 

[Nambroth]

Oh no, I am so sorry. How heartbreaking, to care for her for so long to get her better only to have a dog take her from you. These situations are so very frustrating and sad. You are in my thoughts.