Have lost 3 chickens not sure what was wrong

[anotherchicken]

They all had different symptoms. The first one started shaking her head then ended up with some kind of breathing problems . The second one started limping, i thought she had a broken leg so I kept her separated in her house after a couple of days she was couldn't use either of her legs. The last one seem to have the same problems as the first one although I thing she went blind. I have totally closed down the coup. The only thing I can think of is that they were eating my rhubarb. Any help would be appreciated I'm afraid to let any of my other hens in the run. they were all older girls maybe 5 or 6. Thanks

 

[CinnamonQueen]

The rhubarb could be it for two of them. The second one seems like Marek's Disease- the legs can get paralyzed as one of the symptoms. (If it is Marek's, I wish you luck.) Was anything wrong with their poop?

 

[anotherchicken]

I thought it may be Marek's from my research although I was hoping not. Her poop was pretty normal and she was eating and drinking fine . I have a total of 12 hens all the rest seem fine so far. (it has been about 2 weeks). I have closed off the coop they were in and removed the rhubarb . Will it ever be save to use it again ?

 

[CinnamonQueen]

I thought it may be Marek's from my research although I was hoping not. Her poop was pretty normal and she was eating and drinking fine . I have a total of 12 hens all the rest seem fine so far. (it has been about 2 weeks). I have closed off the coop they were in and removed the rhubarb . Will it ever be save to use it again ?

Safe to use the coop or rhubarb?

 

[anotherchicken]

Whoops i meant the coop. I can live without the rhubarb my husband likes it but not me. We have removed all the old bedding and food and water bowls. I'm really nervous about using it i don't want any of my other girls to get whatever they had.

 

[CinnamonQueen]

If some of your chickens have Marek's vaccination, then they will be mostly immune to Marek's if it was that. If it was just the poisoning, then they will be fine if there is no rhubarb for them to get to.

 

[anotherchicken]

Can older chickens still get Mareks? From what I read it usually is seen in younger ones. All my chickens originally came from a feed store, who get them from a hatchery. They are all about 3 years old now.

 

[CinnamonQueen]

If they were from a feed store, you may never know if they are vaccinated. The store probably got them from the nearest hatchery, so take a look at the hatchery and see if they vaccinate all birds. (I also buy all of my chickens locally so they most likely are not vaccinated.

) However, it could have been something else other than Marek's if they are older.
I can't figure out how to quote across threads, but I found this in another Marek's thread by seminolewind:
If anyone wants a definite answer, call your state run animal disease lab, and see what the price is and instructions on sending a dead bird. Mine here in Florida charges $25.00.
Or, if you have an avian vet nearby, see what they say. Good luck.

 

[anotherchicken]

Unfortunately the dead birds are long gone. So far all my others have shown no signs of any sickness. I hope it was something else .Thanks for your help

 

[CinnamonQueen]

Glad I could help.