5 month old deathlayer roosters loosing leg function

[member 544621]

I had 2 brahma mix hens, one brahma mix roo, 3 deathlayer hens, 2 deathlayer roos, an 12 chukar. All hatched by me an never around other birds. There are no other chicken flocks within a mile, that I am aware of... The brahma roo has been dispatched in the last month...

About a month ago one of my deathlayer roosters was 'pummeled' (I assume, did not witness it) by the brahma mix roo (whom I had planned to put in the crock pot, but had procratinated a bit too long, unfortunately)....I went into the chicken yard to find the deathlayer in a state of shock, unable to walk and lethargic. I went over him and he had a large open gash on his neckskin. I assume he got beat up pretty badly, poor fellow. The mix breed roo got dispatched that day and I tended the deathlayer. He still does not walk correctly.

Two days ago, the other deathlayer roo also became lame. Basically overnight. Was totally fine the day before.

The first roo is still doing ok. He eats and drinks, is bright eyed... but still is not using his back legs correctly, and at this point I wonder if he ever will. I was considering dispatching him up til the time in which the other roo became lame.... (don't want two roo's)...

Now I am thinking Mareck's? I did not vaccinate anybody (rookie mistake). Given they are on 'virgin ground' and no other flocks in the immediate area....I don't go to places where there are other chickens, etc....The only way I can fathom Mareck's getting into the pen is by wild birds.. and that seems extremely unlikely....

So - I have read up on Mareck's and it appears if this really is the disease, everyone else in the coop has it. How long would it take for symptoms to clear up, if this is the case (and it didn't kill the bird)... Seems like the first roo would have either been a goner by now, or would have gotten better....

They are fed a very good diet of high quality commercial chicken feed - however, I may add vitamins now that I read vitamin deficiency can be an issue.

I also wonder if it is possible the two brahma mix hens might have attacked the second roo... they are a couple months older and aobut 3 times the size of the deathlayer roo. I have seen them harass the deathlayers, but the deathlayers are quick and I have never seen any overly aggressive behavior between them.

thoughts?

 

[Eggcessive]

Time will tell if Mareks is what you are seeing. Hopefully it is not. The age is about average for symptoms to show up, but you do know that one of the chickens was injured. I would just read some info about Mareks disease, and if you lose one of the lame chickens, you can get a diagnosis with having your state vet doa necropsy. They test tumor tissue and feather shafts dor the disease. Not every state does this, but call and check with yours about the cost of a basic necropsy and the extra testing. Here is a link for finding your state vet:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

Here are some good articles about Mareks disease:
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/ext...Preventing Mareks Disease in Small Flocks.pdf

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

 

[member 544621]

Thanks Eggcessive.

One other thing - neither roo has issues with clenching the feet. Nor do the legs seem paralyzed... they keep them tucked up to their chest, but if I walk around them, they will use them. They don't stand upright though... seems like it is an upper leg issue. Also wings are fine too.. no paralysis there.

 

[member 544621]

took the roos out of the chicken house to give an idea of their condition.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

What are you feeding your cockerels, including treats?
The one that went into the dog house in the video - he's hock walking correct?
That upright funny walk - I would either give him B-Complex (start with 1/2 tablet daily) or get some Poultry Cell and direct dose him at 1-3cc per pound of weight daily to see if that helps.

If you can get a good photo of how both stand up that would be good. Are their legs or joints turned in/out at all?

 

[member 544621]

They are straight - no turning outward. Yes, walking on his hocks.... That was what I was trying to get a video of.....I will give them the vitamins. They are on (or at least have access to) game cock feed which has pellets and grains..That said, they also have access to layer crumbles... everyone eats from each food source... No treats except the occasional greens from the garden or household food scraps. (veggies mostly, some rice/bread/grain type stuff)

 

[member 544621]

The brahma mix roo that we dispatched was super fat and healthy and he had access to the same feed.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

game cock feed which has pellets and grains..That said, they also have access to layer crumbles..

Can you post a photo of the label on the game cock feed?
Personally, I would not feed 5month old cockerels layer feed. You can feed everyone an all flock/flock raiser feed.

 

[member 544621]

It is game cock 60-40 - made by Big Feeds feed company in OK....

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It is game cock 60-40 - made by Big Feeds feed company in OK....

This?
Again, personally...I would not feed that to 5 month old cockerels. They are not mature.
That will be just fine to use for the roosters as they get older. I would give them an all flock/flock raiser (18-20%protein), cut out the layer feed period (too much calcium) and get some extra vitamins into them.