Anything other than Marek's?! (Video)

[LinzeeBrie]

If it *is* Marek's, I have a feeling we'll know pretty soon . My 16 week old Buff Orp just got in a high speed chase with our pup... If that's not enough to stress induce an illness, I'm not sure what is!

The "baby" girls are holding pretty steady... No major improvements, but no decline either...

 

[rebrascora]

It could be but it depends on whether she has been infected and if she is susceptible or resistant to the virus.Not all birds that are exposed will get it...... but you have to assume they have it from a disease containment view point because there is no way to know who has it and who hasn't (until they have an outbreak) and even the resistant birds could have infected material trapped in their feathers that could infect another flock if sold on.
If a whole flock of exposed youngsters had been chased and harassed, then you might be more likely to see an outbreak, but there really are no hard and fast rules with this disease.
Hope your buff doesn't suffer any ill effects from her traumatic experience.

 

[LinzeeBrie]

I was seeing marginal improvements (or at least, definitely no decline)... but today was a hot day, and I was (unexpectedly) away for most of it.... One of the babies now has the classic (front to back) splits

 

[rebrascora]

I'm sorry! When you say babies...... how old? I assume this is a different bird from the two cochins, Shimmer and Rose, that feature in your original post?

 

[LinzeeBrie]

I'm sorry! When you say babies...... how old? I assume this is a different bird from the two cochins, Shimmer and Rose, that feature in your original post?

No, sorry!! I mean the Cochins they're just "our babies"

 

[EggSighted4Life]

If it *is* Marek's, I have a feeling we'll know pretty soon . My 16 week old Buff Orp just got in a high speed chase with our pup... If that's not enough to stress induce an illness, I'm not sure what is!

The "baby" girls are holding pretty steady... No major improvements, but no decline either...

I THINK I had 2 cases of Marek's about 2 years ago... I had 82 birds at the time.

I culled them both... I have cockerels, dogs, hawks and so many other things that cause stress among my flock... dozens have come into lay since then... INCLUDING Silkies... Dozens of broody's raising chicks and juveniles learning the pecking order... even some scalpings.

Not every birds will succumb to Marek's even though they are exposed (and maybe carriers). There was one gene identified that DOES create resistance.

The ONLY thing I do for my flock is good nutrition NOT diminished by treats, and basic care including pest control (don't forget the rats) and pasture management, and stock density. Plus I will cull IMMEDIATELY if a limping type injury presents with NO actual sign of injury like swelling, redness, or heat to the touch).... that is after the first one that I treated for a vitamin deficit for 3 weeks before I decided that was no life (and not vitamin deficit) and culled.

Many people like to HOPE it's vitamin deficit, and I don't blame them. But if there is NO reason (like excessive treats), then if it IS a deficit, I don't want that genetic defect breeding into my stock. So now after knowing my practice is good and where I stand... culling is the right choice for me. I figure I JUST got lucky and maybe had a less virulent form for the amount of loss I saw. Though it IS possible since I didn't have a necropsy done that I am mistaken about what I saw. Wish I had confirmed now... but back then I was told by the state poultry vet that's what it likely was as they consider it be in EVERY poultry environment. I won't allow Marek's vaccinated birds in my flock... NO typhoid Mary type chickens allowed (through vaccine). That is ONE of my methods of control... anyone who "catches" (rather displays symptoms) MUST go. But again.. it was just the original 2 chicks that were 9 weeks old.

I am sorry you face this.

there really are no hard and fast rules with this disease

That is what makes it feel like the biggest challenge of all!

 

[Cyprus]

I was seeing marginal improvements (or at least, definitely no decline)... but today was a hot day, and I was (unexpectedly) away for most of it.... One of the babies now has the classic (front to back) splits

Yeah sounds like Marek's to me.
I sent my girl in to the lab a few days ago. When I get my results I will inform you because I myself am not sure if I have it.
I would strongly suggest sending one in for a necropsy if they pass. It is worth knowing.

 

[LinzeeBrie]

Man oh man this is a bit of a roller coaster isn't it! Last night I thought for sure they either wouldn't make it through the night, or I'd cull them in the morning... and now they're looking a bit better again! The rest of the flock (including silkies) is in tip top shape still... which I know doesn't mean a lot, since it could happen at any time - but I can't help but be optimistic...

 

[Cyprus]

Man oh man this is a bit of a roller coaster isn't it! Last night I thought for sure they either wouldn't make it through the night, or I'd cull them in the morning... and now they're looking a bit better again! The rest of the flock (including silkies) is in tip top shape still... which I know doesn't mean a lot, since it could happen at any time - but I can't help but be optimistic...

There is a chance that they have a strain that they can recover from.

 

[LinzeeBrie]

I know this is a ridiculously short video ("storage full" as per usual )... but I made Shimmer a little shoe for her curled toes, and she can walk!