Deformed feet on Silkie Cochin

[mikki717]

I have a 4 month old Silkie Cochin cross rooster .(I saw him crowing, so I'm sure) A few weeks ago I noticed he was walking funny. Upon checking his feet, I noticed he has huge feathers... Real ones, not soft downy ones. It looked like the feathers were impeding his being able to stand or walk properly. I trimmed back the feathers, and he seemed to be doing a bit better.

Today he's limping. I checked him again, and I noticed that his feet aren't bending at the metatarsal fold (wrist area) like other chickens. He seems to be walking on his metatarsal (forearm).

Has any one else encountered this? Is it a common deformity in this cross?

Thanks

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would wonder if he's got Mareks. If it continues to worsen, than I would consider it. Can you share a picture of how he's walking?

 

[mikki717]

I l will get pics or video tomorrow. By the time I got home today it was already dark. I don't think it's Marek's disease though. His eyes are fine.

 

[mikki717]

No pics. I tried, but he seemed to be in pain. Panting and not walking at all. I checked him over again and I think his leg is injured. So he's now in the hospital crate for a few weeks, and I'll see how he does.

 

[h2oratt]

It sounds like Mark’s to me. The eyes don’t need to be infected. Do you live in a state where you can get your bird necropsied at a low fee. It worth knowing. That way if you get anymore you know how to treat.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I l will get pics or video tomorrow. By the time I got home today it was already dark. I don't think it's Marek's disease though. His eyes are fine.

As said there are different forms of Mareks, so you may not see an eye problem. I personally never have.

Mine all have problems walking initially until they become paralyzed in the legs, than they slowly get worse. We generally cull when we see they can no longer walk.

I generally give them a week or so of rest if all I'm seeing is they can't walk just in case it's an injury, but generally I see uncoordinated behaviors before the paralysis, so I know it's Mareks, especially in any bird younger than 5 months.

We cull as any symptomatic bird is also shedding the virus. I don't want to spread it more if possible by keeping a Mareks bird around too long.

 

[Kiki]

How is this bird doing today?