3 of my 12 pullets have passed in 2 weeks, help!

[bakersdozenroo]

I’m not sure what’s going on but in the last 2 weeks, 3 of my 12 pullets have passed. The first 2 were last week and were my 2 Buff Orpingtons. They both acted like their bodies were too heavy for their legs, sitting on their bottoms like a human with their legs straight out. I thought maybe it was vitamin deficiencies and got the supplement but unfortunately they both passed as they just could not eat or drink anything. Then this week for the past 2 days one of the black Astralorps was acting funny (not as active as the others, hanging back while the others were free ranging). Then today when we went to let them out she was laying down in the run and breathing fast and heavy. I tried to give her water and the poultry cell and she drank some but she passed quickly. I’m scared that whatever is going on is contagious and could spread to the others. They aren’t coughing, no nasal discharge. It’s almost like lethargy and then neurological issues. Could it be they are eating something they shouldn’t in the yard?

 

[Eggcessive]

How old are the pullets? Did they have runny poops or any blood in their poop? Did they act lethargic and stand around puffed up? Were they eating? Coccidiosis may be a problem, but Mareks disease should also be a problem. I would probably start some Corid to treat for coccidiosis just in case. Dosage is 2 tsp of the liquid Corid per gallon of water for 5 days. Sorry for your loss. The best way to find a cause of death is to take in a body, kept cold, for a necropsy by the state vet lab.

 

[bakersdozenroo]

How old are the pullets? Did they have runny poops or any blood in their poop? Did they act lethargic and stand around puffed up? Were they eating? Coccidiosis may be a problem, but Mareks disease should also be a problem. I would probably start some Corid to treat for coccidiosis just in case. Dosage is 2 tsp of the liquid Corid per gallon of water for 5 days. Sorry for your loss. The best way to find a cause of death is to take in a body, kept cold, for a necropsy by the state vet lab.

They are 16 weeks old. No runny noses. No blood in poop. They were all vaccinated against Marek's. I’m in the Raleigh area of N.C. so maybe I can reach out to the N.C. State vet school and see if they do necropsy?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

The first 2 were last week and were my 2 Buff Orpingtons. They both acted like their bodies were too heavy for their legs, sitting on their bottoms like a human with their legs straight out. I thought maybe it was vitamin deficiencies and got the supplement but unfortunately they both passed as they just could not eat or drink anything.

the past 2 days one of the black Astralorps was acting funny (not as active as the others, hanging back while the others were free ranging). Then today when we went to let them out she was laying down in the run and breathing fast and heavy.

It’s almost like lethargy and then neurological issues. Could it be they are eating something they shouldn’t in the yard?

They are 16 weeks old. No runny noses. No blood in poop. They were all vaccinated against Marek's.

I’m in the Raleigh area of N.C. so maybe I can reach out to the N.C. State vet school and see if they do necropsy?

In NC We have several state labs that will perform testing/necropsy on poultry. Since you are in Raliegh, that lab would be where you'd need to take the body. Refrigerate, don't freeze. Give them a call if you wish and discuss before you go. Info below.


Any chance your pullets did get into something toxic - oil spills, fertilizer, compost, moldy feed, dead animal, etc.?
Unfortunately your description and mention of lethargy, then neurological symptoms does sound like Marek's disease. Of course there's numerous other conditions/causes to consider too. Testing will give you the most information. While the Marek's vaccine can help with prevention of the formation of tumors, it does not prevent infection from the virus, so birds can still get sick and/or have symptoms.

What do you feed, including treats?
I agree, it won't hurt to treat for Coccidiosis as suggested.


https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/veterinary/VetLabFacilities#Tab-RollinsLaboratoryRaleigh-2453

 

[McChooky]

I agree. The problem with Mareks is they can have many different symptoms.I don't vaccinate my chickens for Mareks anymore.

 

[McChooky]

I hope you find the cause so you can prevent anymore losses!Losing 3 out of 12 are frightening stats!