Broken wing?

[CourtneyBowman]

Is she still with us?

As I said, I am definitely not an expert, especially on Marek’s, if that is what it is but I have read that it is not a death sentence. 

Have you searched BYC at all?  There may be some treatment options.

Unless you feel she is suffering and do not want to prolong it longer.

she is still alive. I decided I won't put her down unless I can find a lab to take her to, and only if she is suffering. I don't want her to starve to death because she can't get to her food, ya know? Not a pleasant way to die.

 

[Teila]

@casportpony @Eggcessive

Hey there .. Sorry to disturb you but knowing how knowledgeable you both are, I was wondering if you would be able to chime in at all, help Courtney with any treatment options, best course of action etc?

 

[Teila]

Hey Courtney

As you can see I have reached out to a couple of people who may be able to help.

However, in the meantime, I did some research of my own.

It would help if we knew what it was but if it is Marek’s I think I was wrong about possible treatments

http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurit.../poultry-and-pigeons/mareks-disease#Treatment

But, it may not Marek's

 

[CourtneyBowman]

Hey Courtney

As you can see I have reached out to a couple of people who may be able to help.

However, in the meantime, I did some research of my own. 

It would help if we knew what it was but if it is Marek’s I think I was wrong about possible treatments 

http://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/biosecurit.../poultry-and-pigeons/mareks-disease#Treatment

But, it may not Marek's 

Thank you so much! I got a call back from the disease center, and she said she's been doing this for 40+ years, and it sounds exactly like Marek's. The chicken is the right age, the symptoms are spot on, and I sent her a video and she pretty much confirmed. She said unfortunately the only way to know 100% is from a necropsy. She also suggested culling just her, to prevent the spread. They shed the live virus constantly. The other chickens might already have some resistance to do, but if they keep getting bombarded with shed virus, it could weaken their immunity, and then also succumb to it. She said that no matter how big or small the flock is, Marek's will usually only take down one or two birds. So that's good news. I can't add anymore chickens to this current flock though, in risk of the new chickens getting infected. But any offspring from the hens I still have will also be resistant. She also said that Marek's is REALLY common in Nevada So my husband and I talked it over, and we are both worried about spread to the rest of our small flock (5). He went ahead and made executive decision and culled her I'm kind of sad! I got sort of attached to her, after caring for her the last few days. I appreciate all the help and tried answers and words of wisdom though. Hopefully the rest will pull through and be good

 

[Teila]

Hey Courtney I am pleased that you were able to get assistance from someone with Marek’s experience and the peace of mind that it does look like Mareks and you have done the right thing.

However, I am also so very sorry that it came to that; losing them is always difficult.

Are you going to send her off for a necropsy so that you know for sure?

 

[CourtneyBowman]

Hey Courtney I am pleased that you were able to get assistance from someone with Marek’s experience and the peace of mind that it does look like Mareks and you have done the right thing.

However, I am also so very sorry that it came to that; losing them is always difficult.

Are you going to send her off for a necropsy so that you know for sure?

I wanted to, but so far, it's looking like there really isn't anywhere out here to do that. And a vet would be $250. Yikes! I didn't feel comfortable keeping her in my fridge for an extended period of time either while I still look. However, I'm going to continue getting some info in case anyone else is affected, then I know where to send them for 100% verification.

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm pretty sad and feel defeated. I've only had them a week. I know there's nothing I could have done for her though, and that she came to me with it already. Here's hoping for a strong flock of Marek's resistant birds!

 

[Teila]

Yeah, not the best start to your time with your new girls and I too hope that things improve from now on