2nd hen with leg paralysis. Help please.

[Irishsilk]

Hi. We have hens that are 7 months old. We got 30 when they were point of lay. They are free range and happy/healthy....BUT we have one that we found in the hen house one morning looking like she had had a stroke. Her legs were splayed out behind her with her feet all clamped up in a ball. We brought her inside and after a couple of days she was back up on her legs and walking as though nothing had happened. Then it happened again about 2 months later. Again after a couple of days in a box in the house she was up and walking again. She layed an egg when she was in the box. She eats and drinks loads.

She was in again last week....same process, back out with the others after 2 days.
Devastated to find another hen this morning...looking exactly the same. Legs outstretched behind with clamped up feet. Brought her in This morning but she is still not Able to bring her legs underneath herself, nor unclamped her feet. She was fine yesterday.
These 2 hens have tiny Combes and look very young.... the one I brought in today lay an egg so they are laying.
Has anyone any idea what’s going on please?

 

[azygous]

Those are classic symptoms of Marek's disease. The age is right, too, for onset.

Less possible are exposure to toxic substances and a neurological disorder from genetic flaws.

 

[Irishsilk]

Thankyou for your quick reply....I’m off to read about Mareks disease...

 

[pekincochin12]

I agree with @azygous that it appears like Marek's, unfortunately. The only true way to know would be to send in a body for testing to your state lab, if one dies. @Wyorp Rock knows all the state labs, if that's something you'd like to do.

https://extension.umd.edu/sites/ext...Preventing Mareks Disease in Small Flocks.pdf

 

[Wyorp Rock]

7 months old

legs were splayed out behind her with her feet all clamped up in a ball. We brought her inside and after a couple of days she was back up on her legs and walking as though nothing had happened. Then it happened again about 2 months later. Again after a couple of days in a box in the house she was up and walking again. She layed an egg when she was in the box

I agree, it does sound like Marek's.
What are you feeding the pullets?
The neck looks crooked as well. I would offer supportive care of Vitamin E and 1/4 tablet B-Complex daily for a week.
Is her crop emptying overnight?

Sending a bird to your state lab for confirmation of disease is a good idea if you lose one or if you want to find out more. You don't have your location in your profile, you can look up your state lab here:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

Here's more information about Marek's disease.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

 

[Elie And Her Flock]

Besides Marek's disease, it could also be botulism. Make sure to provide them with clean water through this time. I'm sorry to hear about the paralysis, wishing you well.

 

[snowflake]

does sound like it could be Marek's. in Mi. it cost's about $ 150. for a necropsy, I have heard other states do it much cheaper so call first.

 

[Irishsilk]

I agree with @azygous that it appears like Marek's, unfortunately. The only true way to know would be to send in a body for testing to your state lab, if one dies. @Wyorp Rock knows all the state labs, if that's something you'd like to do.

https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/_docs/programs/poultry/FS-1007 Recognizing and Preventing Mareks Disease in Small Flocks.pdf

Thankyou for your help. I’m in Ireland...

 

[Irishsilk]

I agree, it does sound like Marek's.
What are you feeding the pullets?
The neck looks crooked as well. I would offer supportive care of Vitamin E and 1/4 tablet B-Complex daily for a week.
Is her crop emptying overnight?

Sending a bird to your state lab for confirmation of disease is a good idea if you lose one or if you want to find out more. You don't have your location in your profile, you can look up your state lab here:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

Here's more information about Marek's disease.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

Thankyou so much for your reply!
We live in Ireland...and have been feeding layers pellets and separate oyster shell. Also rolled oats as a treat when they get called in at night.
Will check her crop in the morning to see if it’s emptied.
Will get the vitamins tomorrow.
Thankyou.

 

[Irishsilk]

does sound like it could be Marek's. in Mi. it cost's about $ 150. for a necropsy, I have heard other states do it much cheaper so call first.

Thankyou....I’m in Ireland.