7 week old Saphire Gem Not Walking well/ weak leg

[rebrascora]

At her age, Marek's Disease is something else to consider. The paralysis phase of Marek's can exhibit as a weakness in the hock and it may resolve as quickly as it came on. It might be worth giving her a good quality poultry supplement like Nutri Drench or Poultry Cell to boost her immune system. Personally I would say that that foot looks healthy.

 

[kmom08]

At her age, Marek's Disease is something else to consider. The paralysis phase of Marek's can exhibit as a weakness in the hock and it may resolve as quickly as it came on. It might be worth giving her a good quality poultry supplement like Nutri Drench or Poultry Cell to boost her immune system. Personally I would say that that foot looks healthy.

I have been worried about that, but Is it even possible? I had all the chicks vaccinated for mareks before being shipped to me. There are no other chickens here other than them.

My last flock hasn't been here in over 2 years, they moved with us when we moved away. Can it spread through the air? I've seen coop on the next street over.

 

[Nambroth]

Yes, Marek's vaccination only gives them a chance to build immunity, it is not a perfect vaccine like most of the ones used in people. It (the virus) can travel in the air, on your shoes, on wild birds, etc. It is incredibly ubiquitous. I'm not saying that's what you have going on here, but it is a possibility. Here's an article if you wish to read more: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

 

[kmom08]

I started her on the Poultry Cell, and also picked up a $20 bottle of Rooster Booster B-12 just in case that is causing the leg problem. The bottles say 1-3 cc by mouth/or on food OR 1 oz may be mixed into a gallon of water. I'm not certain on exact dosing in her case. I mixed 1cc/ml of each with a little feed and she ate it from my hand last night. This morning I did 1.5 cc/ml and fed by hand again. I could use some help on proper dosage though.

I did mix 1 oz of poultry cell in 1 gallon of water for the rest of the chicks outside to be on the safe side in case it is mareks.

Previously was using Rooster Booster vitamins&electrolytes with lactose bacillus and raw apple cider vinegar with the mother on rotating days in a quart size waterer along side plain water in a gallon size waterer.


I'll also add all the other chicks seem fine no leg problems, poop looks good. The saphire gem in the house is still eating/drinking and her poop looks good. I can tell she's lonely though.

 

[kmom08]

Looking closer makes me think injury again. Unless the discoloration is from her continuing to bend at the hock when she tries to walk. Still looks swoolen as well and looks more yellow than the other leg.

 

[kmom08]

Unfortunately we decided to cull her today. She turned 10 weeks old yesterday. I tried everything in my power to help her, but she was not improving only getting worse. Her good leg weakened as well. She was no longer moving her toes on the bad leg. She simply stopped trying to move around. It was heart breaking to watch her not improve, I was cleaning poo from her bottom daily once she gave up trying to move. We gave her a good long cuddle and unlimited meal worms, clovers and grass before taking her pain away. We shed alot more tears than expected, but I know we did the right thing.

 

[rebrascora]

I know how hard that decision is and even harder to implement it. You get even more attached to them when you have been caring for them so closely like that but you absolutely did the right thing in her best interests. I hope you do not have to go through that again in a long time.
Have you considered getting a necropsy done to find out what you are dealing with? The fact that she deteriorated and the other leg was also compromised together with her age points towards Marek's but it is helpful to have a diagnosis so that you can plan the best way to go forward. State diagnostics labs are generally subsidised for poultry so much cheaper and more knowledgeable than a private veterinary practice but she would need to be refrigerated (not frozen) and sent overnight on ice. Most state diagnostics labs have a website with a price list for services offered and contact details if you need to query anything.