Fluffy Butt Acres: Stories of our flock

[RoyalChick]

This is what I have on Marek's

What I don't understand is how he could have gotten it if every chick was either vaccinated or hatched here? I haven't introduced adult /older chickens to my flock, only vaccinated chicks. So, where did it come from?

Yes, I have read that too, I just thought it was normally more rapid than what you are experiencing - but I have no idea really.
I don't think it will help you decide what to do with your poor roo, but there is a PCR test for Marek's. It might help you with future flock management to know if you really have Marek's in the flock or not.
You can get it done at a private lab in Texas (if you are interested I can find the link) and for all I know the State vet would do it too.

 

[bgmathteach]

And you can’t feel any hard mass that could be an abscess? Probably not likely as it is both legs.
Bob is thinking sepsis - ie systemic infection in the bloodstream, but he would be very unwell with that.
And you have tried the magical vitamin B2?
From your description it sounds to me like a spinal tumor. Poor chap.

So, other than the aforementioned injuries...now fully healed - there is no visible wounds/abnormalities. I also can't feel anything out of sorts physically, either, except definite loss of mass/muscle on breast bone area and legs. He is much lighter now than at the start....though he has a good appetite most days. Last week or so he sometimes gets picky. I've been scrambling an egg every day lately, which he wolfs down, and been giving him a mix of starter feed (higher protein) with kefir & b-vitamins, which he likes.

Yesterday put him in a bed of clover near my littles (so he wouldn't be 'alone') with a dish of water. he started aggressively eating the clover right away, then tucked into some of the dry starter I had in a dish beside him (and into the fortified water.)

Other than the 1 or 2 days he seemed sick of starter, he has been eating well.

 

[bgmathteach]

Yes, I have read that too, I just thought it was normally more rapid than what you are experiencing - but I have no idea really.
I don't think it will help you decide what to do with your poor roo, but there is a PCR test for Marek's. It might help you with future flock management to know if you really have Marek's in the flock or not.
You can get it done at a private lab in Texas (if you are interested I can find the link) and for all I know the State vet would do it too.

Yes, please.

 

[RoyalChick]

Yes, please.

Here you go:
https://www.vetdna.com/

 

[Ponypoor]

Or, a tiny flat head when you need a big one, or a big one when you need a little one!

Hmmm, at this rate, I'm going to need to take more pics to keep up to date on my taxes. Recycled ones will have to do for now:

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A very good boy that I am going to have to put down. He is only a year old, and near as I can tell, he has Mareck's. All my chicks have been vaccinated and/or hatched on site....no birds brought in but vaccinated chicks, so I am not sure how he got it, but it seems to be the classic symptoms and I can find no other reason. He can't use his legs. I have been working with him trying to supplement vit. B and exercising legs 2 x per day...and it has gotten worse, not better. Poor guy, he is sweet and was a good boy to the girls..... this is so hard, but, watching him quietly yesterday...I realized that I was so attached that I ignoring the obvious. He initially (quite suddenly - after a fight with another roo) was very weak in the legs and I brought him inside to protect him and work with him (initially thinking it was pain from injuries.) Despite my efforts, legs are worse...now he has no control of lower legs at all, no reflex nor grip motion with feet, nothing. He does have a will to live....but it is no life not being able to move. He can't even tip himself from one side to the other with his legs when laying...he has to use his wings. These pics were from March.

Oh dear so sorry to hear this. Poor wee fella. Keep us updated

 

[Ponypoor]

2fer Tuesday

Today's theme, Barred and Beautiful

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A barred rock frizzle and polish to boot, I may have just died and gone to heaven

 

[Ponypoor]

What horse pee and poop. What's wrong with your brandy

Omg! Don't encourage them hahaha they drink enough weird things teeheehee

 

[bgmathteach]

Happier thoughts Some twofers for Tuesday:

 

[bgmathteach]

Here you go:
https://www.vetdna.com/

Thank you!

 

[Lexicon]

I was trying to get a photo of my two BFFs with both their heads up at the same time.
No such luck!
First Bistro had her head up:

Then Annie!

When I complained to Annie about it, she told me in no uncertain terms to stop bothering her!