3 month old RIR shaking weak legs, poor balance...

[Godiva]

Thank you folks... They don't have access to compost but I do think that some hay in the run area is moldy and they have been in that area on and off lately. I'll do a search on 'drunk' and see what turns up. Will also check for mites. Am planning on treating the whole coop for mites etc since I haven't done it yet and apparently it is almost certain that you will have some kind of mite problem (esp here in the south where it is so bug friendly!)

So do you think there is a good chance that this is NOT Marek's?

 

[FlaChickenMan]

Had the same problem with mine. it was cocccidosis. Gave them Amprol in the water and milk/oatmeal mix. Had to euthanize one but eh remaining ones are good now!

 

[Godiva]

I wasn't aware that coccidiosis caused the staggering high stepping walk and shaking and apparent weakness. Isn't it usually younger birds that get coccidiosis? THese are right around three months old...

 

[Godiva]

I have been doing lots more research. STill don't know what to actually do with these chickens. I am not sure if I should try and treat these birds or at least see if they die on their own or get better. Are they going to become an even greater risk by keeping them around? And yet it seems so hasty to cull birds that I am not even sure what is wrong with them.... I REALLY don't want it to spread to my other birds though... I don't have a vet to go to and really can't afford to take them even if I had one around that treated chickens.

Does Mareks spread to older birds or mostly the young ones? What about the baby chicks right next door? And what about my broody due to hatch eggs next THursday? I am freaking out here...