Could this be Marek's?

[Newbee2012]

I am in need of some major chicken advice: two weeks ago one of my 10 week old easter egger pullets started having trouble with her balance, at first I thought maybe she fell off the perch and sprained something but now she is having more trouble mainly with just one leg and now with her wing, it drags the ground sometimes. At times she can walk ok and others she stumbles and trips, she still eats like crazy but she seems skinny and she has started breathing with her mouth open. I have nine other pullets in the coop with her and they have no problems.Could she have Marek's disease? Should I take her out of the coop? Do I need to disinfect the coop? I have younger chicks also I am worrried about them catching what she has.I called my local vet and he laughed and said he did not do chickens. I called the hatchery nearest us and the lady said Marek's is very rare and she has not heard much about it lately. We have had bouts with cocci and a chick that had a band left on by the breeder. You know what they say if it was not for bad we wouldn't have any at all.I didn't know having chickens would be so stressfull. Any info and advice would help. Thanks

 

[2greenboyz]

Hi Newbee 2012. I don't have personal experience with Mareks, maybe someone here can chime in for you. My youngsters are about that age. Mareks is still around, I just heard about someone a month ago. How's her energy level is it the same as the others? You say she seems skinny, are you sure she is eating? Sometimes they may look like they are eating but they are just "tongueing" their food and not swallowing. Have you felt her crop at the end of the day to be sure it is full? Do you know if these chicks were vaccinated? Did all your chicks come from the same source? Hopefully someone else has more ideas.

 

[Newbee2012]

Hi, she is not as active as the others. And I am not 100% if she is eating. When I feed them she goes through the motions like she is eating, I never thought that maybe she is not taking anything in. All the pullets that I have in the coop right now came from the same place. Not for sure if they were vaccinated.

 

[2greenboyz]

How is she today? I would suggest separate her if possible so you can better monitor her until you know what's going on. Try to see if she is actually eating and drinking. Try to feed soft foods - oatmeal, scrambled egg, etc. Anyone out there offer more suggestions?