5 month old deathlayer roosters loosing leg function

[member 544621]

yes... but no... the bag is red... I will change over their food. Thanks for the help! I appreciate it!
The bag does not have the ingredient list and purpose... so I am not sure if it is for mature birds or not... I assume that part was on the label/tag that got taken off when the bag was opened.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

yes... but no... the bag is red... I will change over their food. Thanks for the help! I appreciate it!
The bag does not have the ingredient list and purpose... so I am not sure if it is for mature birds or not... I assume that part was on the label/tag that got taken off when the bag was opened.

Next time you're in the feed store, read the label, see what it says. IF what you have doesn't have a lot of calcium, but is lacking in protein, you may be able to ADD a 20% protein feed to it and still use it. I'm not a nutritionist by any means. What we feed birds is a personal choice. I only feed an 18-20% protein feed period, but I'm not opposed to feeding layer feed to mature birds.
With cockerels and roosters, I prefer less calcium so stick with one that has less than layer.

I don't see anything really wrong with that feed, except it's really labeled for mature birds (seems like all the game cock feed is except for Game Cock Krumbles N Grain https://www.bigvfeeds.com/products/game-chicken-feeds/game-cock-krumbles-n-grain

I don't have that feed here in my location or I would give it a try

 

[microchick]

I watched the video and have dealt with Marek's in my flock. That doesn't resemble a Marek's induced paralysis IMHO. I've had one bird with classic paralysis and usually it starts in one leg. They will start to limp, then drag the toes, then the whole leg. When they lay down the leg will stick out straight behind them. Then the other leg will follow the same course of decline. They call the classic posture 'scissor'. One leg will be stretched out in front of them, the second behind them like a pair of open scissors.

I suspect something else is going on with your boys. What I don't know but as suggested, start with the simple stuff. Feed, vitamins etc and see if they respond. BTW, they are beautiful.

 

[member 544621]

Thanks microchick. I am sure hoping they manage to improve. Changed their food today and have supplements on the way.

 

[microchick]

Keep us updated. Good luck!

 

[member 544621]

certainly will do. Should be receiving the rooster supplement on Monday. Both cockerels are in the same condition.. they are being kept in a small fenced off space in the chicken house for now.

 

[microchick]

If you want to do something to see if they are vitamin deficient while you are waiting, you can try giving them a drop or two of Poly Vi Sol baby vitamins. Just make sure you get the one WITHOUT iron.

It sounds as though they are no worse and that is good!

 

[member 544621]

An update for those who helped - unfortunately they did not survive.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

An update for those who helped - unfortunately they did not survive.

I'm sorry to hear that.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. Did you get any testing or a necropsy to find out if it was Mareks disease?