Anther chicken is sick, hoping its not mareks

[MelissaRose]

Hello all.

I posted a thread a few weeks ago because my rooster and another chicken were sick. Today I noticed that one of my younger silkie/ee chicks that is about 3 months old is acting lethargic. It is pretty cold here, its around 29 degrees f.

Her crop is not empty, which means she must have eaten this morning. Unless it didn't empty overnight. I will check it tomorrow morning before she eats.

If what killed the other chickens was mareks it could have spread to this coop by me just walking back and forth right?
I have not mixed the two flocks or added new birds since they started getting sick.

I don't think there's much I can do for her. I guess its possible shes just cold or maybe she ate something thats making her feel lethargic. There are five of them that hatched together and are related and none of the others are acting sick.

I will update if anything changes.

Thanks in advance for any thought or help.

-MelissaRose

 

[Eggcessive]

Well, you have had several die lately with symptoms that could have been from Mareks, but no necropsies were performed by the state vet. So it could be Mareks, but I would first look at possible coccidiosis, and treat for coccidiosis. If she doesn’t have symptoms of coccidiosis (lethargy, not eating, runny poops, being puffed up,) then I would start a good poultry vitamin such as Poultry Cell, NutriDrench, or 1/4 tablet daily of crushed vitamin B complex. Make sure that she is warm enough (bring into a warm room for a few nights,) and make sure that she is eating and drinking well. Hopefully, it is not Mareks, but please try to get a necropsy this time if you lose another.

 

[MelissaRose]

Well, you have had several die lately with symptoms that could have been from Mareks, but no necropsies were performed by the state vet. So it could be Mareks, but I would first look at possible coccidiosis, and treat for coccidiosis. If she doesn’t have symptoms of coccidiosis (lethargy, not eating, runny poops, being puffed up,) then I would start a good poultry vitamin such as Poultry Cell, NutriDrench, or 1/4 tablet daily of crushed vitamin B complex. Make sure that she is warm enough (bring into a warm room for a few nights,) and make sure that she is eating and drinking well. Hopefully, it is not Mareks, but please try to get a necropsy this time if you lose another.

If she does die I will definitely have her sent in. I could give her some corid. She is a little puffed up, but didn't seem that light when I picked her up. I can seperate her and make sure shes warm. That way I can see her poops. I will get nutridrench or poultry cell if she doesn't respond to corid.
Thanks.

 

[sdm111]

Lethargy is usually not a symptom of mareks. Yes others can easily be infected with mareks even remotely close to one another since it's airborne via feather dander

 

[MelissaRose]

Lethargy is usually not a symptom of mareks. Yes others can easily be infected with mareks even remotely close to one another since it's airborne via feather dander

ok thanks

 

[Eggcessive]

I forgot to mention that since Mareks is spread by feather dander and dust, it can pretty much be spread everywhere, by shoes, clothing, hair, and in the wind. Do you need to see the links from previous threads on what symptoms to look for? Mareks reduces immunity to common diseases and it can be common to see coccidiosis or even respiratory diseases in those with Mareks, since they cannot fight off infections.

 

[MelissaRose]

I forgot to mention that since Mareks is spread by feather dander and dust, it can pretty much be spread everywhere, by shoes, clothing, hair, and in the wind. Do you need to see the links from previous threads on what symptoms to look for? Mareks reduces immunity to common diseases and it can be common to see coccidiosis or even respiratory diseases in those with Mareks, since they cannot fight off infections.

I can go look at the threads and find the links.

Should I start her on corid?

 

[Eggcessive]

Corid should be started if you feel she has the symptoms. Dosage is 2 tsp (10 ml) of Corid liquid per gallon or 2.5 ml per quart of water. Here are the links on Mareks:
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/

 

[MelissaRose]

The pullet recovered without any corid and now she is perfectly fine.

But, a pullet in her flock is now very lethargic,had to be taken down of the roost the last few days and then last night slept in a box and this morning wont go out of it.

Another hen in the other flock is also very lethargic today, and my dad (i haven't seen her this morning) said her pupils are very dilated.

So I can seperate the two and worm them with corid and or safeguard and make them comfortable but im guessing its mareks. If they die Im going to send in both of them, if that makes sense.

 

[Eggcessive]

Lots of guesswork with sick chickens. I would see if I could not have some poop checked for worms and coccidiosis when you have a sick bird. This can save a lot of time and trouble, treating birds with expensive meds not knowing what you are treating. You have lost a few birds now where Mareks was suspected. I would get a confirmation through the state vet. Mareks causes many different types of symptoms in each bird, but it primarily makes them less immune to fight off common diseases. Let us know if you get any necropsy results.