Chicken can't stand, but kicks

[PrincipalLaTingleTheHen]

I found our tiny 3 mo old rooster, Ping under our trailer on Wed, June 17. He couldn't move his legs.

Brought him in. Eating and drinking a ton. Passing lots of poo. Lot's of laundry. Seems very alert. Two days into his care, he can kick himself over with legs. He is also kicking his legs when on his back and/or being held and will even "pump" his legs. He can't put his weight on them to stand normally when we try. Instead, his feet cross, he has no strength and collapses on them. Yes, he flaps and tries to move and does a little. I even try and hold him in my hands and move him up and down quickly so he will spread and flap his wings to get the blood flowing. I can't imagine just being stuck! Makek's disease is my guess, but he's not lethargic and his eyes are fine. The feathers at the base of his tail look a little swollen (from laying down and poo?) but the rest of his skin has no bumps. We clean him and apply antibiotic ointment down there. Maybe too early in the disease process? Not sure what to do... nursing him like crazy and carry him around with us on a tray with a towel. It's heartbreaking... Thank you in advance for any advise!!!!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Hmmmm... Marek's is the first thought that comes to my mind as well. Three months is about when it strikes...just before maturation.

Marek's does not necessarily cause lethargy, especially at first. Typically the first symptoms are paralysis of either leg or wing as the tumors have grown enough to press on nerves. Lethargy may not come until the animal is so depleted from nutrition since it can't get to food and water.

There are some other possibilities that mimic Marek's: botulism comes to mind. I'll link the Great Marek's article on BYC that is helpful in assessing other possibilties.

But, yeah, it may be Marek's. Don't panic as that doesn't mean the whole flock is going to go down. Generally it hits one or at most two while the others seem barely affected.

LofMc

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

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry about your cockerel. It is worth trying to give him some vitamins that include riboflavin. Are his toes on either foot curled under? I had a hen last year who could kick but not hold her balance for about 5 weeks. She did not have Mareks (she was vaccinated and we have had no cases) and she recovered eventually. She recently died, and her necropsy showed a huge lash egg in her oviduct as well as oviduct cancer. If you should lose the little guy, I would contact the state vet for a necropsy and testing.

 

[PrincipalLaTingleTheHen]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. I really, really appreciate it. I will certainly give your advice a try and hope for the best! Thank you!!!!

 

[Eggcessive]

Chicken slings can be helpful to get them upright and in front of food and water. Some chickens don’t tolerate them and try to escape. You can make them so their feet do or don’t touch the floor, whichever works best. Here is a link with ideas:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/

 

[PrincipalLaTingleTheHen]

Chicken slings can be helpful to get them upright and in front of food and water. Some chickens don’t tolerate them and try to escape. You can make them so their feet do or don’t touch the floor, whichever works best. Here is a link with ideas:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/

OMG! What a great idea! Also, very cute and funny! Ping N' A Sling very shortly. Thank you!!!

 

[PrincipalLaTingleTheHen]

Hmmmm... Marek's is the first thought that comes to my mind as well. Three months is about when it strikes...just before maturation.

Marek's does not necessarily cause lethargy, especially at first. Typically the first symptoms are paralysis of either leg or wing as the tumors have grown enough to press on nerves. Lethargy may not come until the animal is so depleted from nutrition since it can't get to food and water.

There are some other possibilities that mimic Marek's: botulism comes to mind. I'll link the Great Marek's article on BYC that is helpful in assessing other possibilties.

But, yeah, it may be Marek's. Don't panic as that doesn't mean the whole flock is going to go down. Generally it hits one or at most two while the others seem barely affected.

LofMc

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

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Yes...I was panicking! Thanks for the help... we do love our chickens so!

 

[PrincipalLaTingleTheHen]

Hmmmm... Marek's is the first thought that comes to my mind as well. Three months is about when it strikes...just before maturation.

Marek's does not necessarily cause lethargy, especially at first. Typically the first symptoms are paralysis of either leg or wing as the tumors have grown enough to press on nerves. Lethargy may not come until the animal is so depleted from nutrition since it can't get to food and water.

There are some other possibilities that mimic Marek's: botulism comes to mind. I'll link the Great Marek's article on BYC that is helpful in assessing other possibilties.

But, yeah, it may be Marek's. Don't panic as that doesn't mean the whole flock is going to go down. Generally it hits one or at most two while the others seem barely affected.

LofMc

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

Thank you so very much...thanks for taking the time. I really am hoping he can be helped but looking grim... helps to have fellow chicken lovers!

 

[Chiccenlover]

I think I have the same problem. If he is cured, could you tell me how you did it? Thanks

 

[Grecia]

I would be interested, too, in learning how this chicken fared, too.