Chicken walking with leg way out to the side/in front of her

[Eggcessive]

I would not splint at this time. Especially since you don’t know if it is broken or she has Mareks. At this time, I would observe her and see what she does. Keep food and water close, give her vitamins that include riboflavin. Splinting might restrict her movements too much. The picture of her with the leg out front is almost textbook for Mareks, although I really hope that it is not that.

 

[azygous]

Marek's has no reliable tests until the chicken dies. Marek's is an avian virus and it invades the cells of the chickens. Some become sick while others can develop resistance. There is no real way to predict how it will affect a flock.

There is no cure for Marek's. But if this leg deformity is being caused by a vitamin deficiency, vitamin therapy may help improve it, though a complete cure is a long shot.

 

[Eggcessive]

Please read some of these articles for info and look at the pictures:
http://www.poultryhub.org/health/disease/types-of-disease/mareks-disease-virus-or-mdv/

https://extension.psu.edu/mareks-disease-in-chickens

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/

 

[Rewskie]

T

Please read some of these articles for info and look at the pictures:
http://www.poultryhub.org/health/disease/types-of-disease/mareks-disease-virus-or-mdv/

https://extension.psu.edu/mareks-disease-in-chickens

https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/_docs/programs/poultry/FS-1007 Recognizing and Preventing Mareks Disease in Small Flocks.pdf

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

thank you so much, the splint has made it so she is able to stand and walk better, would you still recommend removing it? I put vitamin b complex in her water and am hoping that will help help her too. After doing more research I wouldn’t be surprised if it was marek’s, but am still hoping it’s not. I have a bird who has the cloudy eyes, and I’ve had two birds die recently after seeming to suffer something neurological. I’m just hoping for the best I can get at this point. Should a flock be culled if it is infected?

 

[azygous]

First thing before you jump too far ahead on this is to bide your time until another chicken dies, then chill, not freeze, the body until you can get it to a lab for a necropsy.

Where you go from there depends on how many chickens you have and how attached to them your are. Some flocks can live with the virus, while others die off fairly rapidly.

From your descriptions of the other chickens, it does sound like it's a good bet you have Marek's in your flock.

Starting over with new chickens after Marek's is a big challenge because Marek's virus is one of the most long lived in the environment. However, there is a vaccine for new chicks and it may allow you to start a new flock.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would leave it on if she can stand and walk better. It is not necessary to cull a flock with Mareks. If she has it, you may lose some chickens, but there may be some who are immune to it. Mareks is spread through the dander and chicken dust, and can remain in your environment for months to years. Where are you located? Most state vets will perform a necropsy after death to look for Mareks, and it can be confirmed with testing. Here is a list of state vets:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Definitely read the great big mareks FAQ. The vaccine does NOT stop infection. Mareks is tough to deal with. If you chose to cull you may go chickenless for years and still have viable virus in the soil. You can also try to cull and breed for immunity.

Get a confirmed diagnosis and be prepared to have extreme biosecurity measures to keep yours and other flocks safe into the future.

 

[Rewskie]

Hey everyone! Just wanted to give an update. My girl has been splinted and drinking vitamin b complex in her water since I’ve gotten help from you. She’s still having trouble standing and walking, but she no longer holders her leg out in front of her and the curls on her other toes have gone down considerably. I’m praying the vitamin B was the issue and am keeping a close eye on her and my other birds!

 

[azygous]

Love a positive progress report!