Chicken had a hard time laying a egg and now she is sluggish.

[Lady of McCamley]

Her eyes look clear and react to the light, so I'm not suspecting Mareck's.

Just an FYI, as Parront stated Mareks *sometimes* affects the eyes.

There are numerous Marek's strains. Only some affect the eyes. Others cause paralysis (the classic one leg forward and one leg back as the sciatic nerve is affected). Other strains cause a slow wasting and weakness.

Even vaccinated birds can be affected as the vaccination is "leaky" meaning it only prevents tumor growth from the main strains. The vaccine does not prevent a bird from catching the virus.

During times of stress, such as point of lay, the bird's immune system can be overwhelmed causing tumor growths. Where the tumors grow creates the different symptoms....be it eye, feather follicle, nerve system, or internal organs.

I wouldn't rule out Marek's yet. I hope it is nutritional, but since you are already feeding a good feed with oyster shell, it may not be that. It could be just this bird's nutritional status. Favorelle tend to be on the lowest rung of the pecking order, so she may not have been getting enough nutrition to sustain egg production. It could be muscular skeletal issues of a weak pelvis, an old injury acquired during hatch if bones fused incorrectly or genetic weaknesses.

Without thorough examination and labs, there is no way of really knowing what is causing her issues. All we can do is suggest according to the description of symptoms and hope for the best with you.

I'm glad she seems to be doing better, and hopefully she will rally and do well. I would recommend keeping a careful eye on her overall to make sure she is able to get enough nutrition. Favorelles often don't do well in mixed flocks due to their compliant natures. They are easy for other birds to pick on.

LofMc

 

[Parront]

Just an FYI, as Parront stated Mareks *sometimes* affects the eyes.

There are numerous Marek's strains. Only some affect the eyes. Others cause paralysis (the classic one leg forward and one leg back as the sciatic nerve is affected). Other strains cause a slow wasting and weakness.

Even vaccinated birds can be affected as the vaccination is "leaky" meaning it only prevents tumor growth from the main strains. The vaccine does not prevent a bird from catching the virus.

During times of stress, such as point of lay, the bird's immune system can be overwhelmed causing tumor growths. Where the tumors grow creates the different symptoms....be it eye, feather follicle, nerve system, or internal organs.

I wouldn't rule out Marek's yet. I hope it is nutritional, but since you are already feeding a good feed with oyster shell, it may not be that. It could be just this bird's nutritional status. Favorelle tend to be on the lowest rung of the pecking order, so she may not have been getting enough nutrition to sustain egg production. It could be muscular skeletal issues of a weak pelvis, an old injury acquired during hatch if bones fused incorrectly or genetic weaknesses.

Without thorough examination and labs, there is no way of really knowing what is causing her issues. All we can do is suggest according to the description of symptoms and hope for the best with you.

I'm glad she seems to be doing better, and hopefully she will rally and do well. I would recommend keeping a careful eye on her overall to make sure she is able to get enough nutrition. Favorelles often don't do well in mixed flocks due to their compliant natures. They are easy for other birds to pick on.

LofMc

Exactly, eyes are only one sign of health/sickness. Here, all we have is a photo, and I have (sadly) seen birds sick with eyes like I described. They were a flock of African Grey rescue birds. I did not touch any, and washed my shoes when I got home! And took a shower! And prayed that I did not bring that home. Last time I went to see rescue Greys. They were blind. Now, I talk a lot on the phone first. That was a very good article from Maine.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I don't go to bird shows anymore due to AI scares in my area and for Marek's and for coccidiosis and a host of other stuff.

Just isn't worth the risk of bringing one of those nasties home on your shoes or clothes.

I even keep boots for guests by my back door. No body goes onto my bird yard with their own shoes if they keep chickens. (Usually they haven't tended their flock in their clothes then came over for a visit, so I don't make them jump into coveralls...a thought though

 

[Parront]

I don't go to bird shows anymore due to AI scares in my area and for Marek's and for coccidiosis and a host of other stuff.

Just isn't worth the risk of bringing one of those nasties home on your shoes or clothes.

I even keep boots for guests by my back door. No body goes onto my bird yard with their own shoes if they keep chickens. (Usually they haven't tended their flock in their clothes then came over for a visit, so I don't make them jump into coveralls...a thought though

Fortunately, small flocks get way better treatment than those big flocks that get culled for AI. Parrots are so long lived that they develop lots of immunities, but can also be carriers. I had Dylan tested at the vet when I got her, they gave her all the tests that you need to import or transport or go to a show. I take her there to be boarded if I need to leave her somewhere! (They will not board unless the bird passes). I am looking for a mate for her, but carefully.

It is not possible in the real world to have total bio-security, but we can make our best effort to not be carriers. I am pretty sure chicks raised by a hen pick up some immunity from the mother. Flocks can develop their own immunity to local things, that will kill new birds, for example.

I hope the beautiful Favorelle hen is just having the same problem Dylan had, solved by calcium drops and oyster shells. But, being under stress can bring out other pre-existing conditions, so try to let her be as stress-free and well hydrated as possible. Sounds like you are doing everything in your power for her! Wishing you the best.

 

[SamanthaLiz]

Thank you all for the support and help. I did get the calcium drops, and administered them just now. She appears to be in better spirits, will update in the morning! Hopefully, she continues on an uptrend and gets whatever is making her not feel 100% out of her system. <3

 

[Birdnerd04]

It may be possible she is/was egg-bound, But since she laid an egg, maybe she strained so hard that she stressed herself out. I hope that it Isn't coccidiosis!
That is a good idea putting oregano in her water. Maybe add a little bit of mint as well. It is supposed too be good for chickens.

 

[SamanthaLiz]

She awoke this morning more talkative, ate, and walked around a bit. Her bottom was covered in poo so we decided on another bath to clean her up. Will update when she's out.

 

[Kiki]

Have you read this yet?
Egg Binding: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

 

[SamanthaLiz]

Have you read this yet?
Egg Binding: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Yes! I think it's mostly (if not all) out at this point. She was just all gunky from the yuck and I felt this would make her feel better. No shell, but leaning towards shell-less at this point. Hence the struggling to get out and nothing originally. Thanks again for the help. Hopefully we are on the mend.

 

[SamanthaLiz]

Could she have EYP? She’s not swollen yet, but sounds like she has all the other signs. She’s “pooping” out yellow clear liquids now. Would a vet prescribe antibiotics? She’s walking in slow motion still and resting a bunch.