Help- Mysterious Chicken Deaths

[SharonTL]

I am hoping someone can provide some ideas about an ongoing mysterious problem with my backyard chickens. I have a mixed flock of bantams and regular chickens (different breeds). We also raise Cornish Cross broilers for 8 weeks in the spring. The chickens were obtained from Feed Stores or hatched out here, the Cornish crosses came from a hatchery.
The problem- Since approximately April of this year we have had mysterious chicken deaths. In the spring 3-4 broiler chicks, 3 Silkies and 2-3 other chickens died. Since then there have been 3 other deaths. The ages of the birds were 3-4 weeks up to about 4 months. They showed neurological symptoms one foot drawn up followed by a progressive decline (either progressive leg weakness- "splits" and inability to walk or spinning around with an inability to walk) and death. I thought it was a Vitamin deficiency and I switched feeds and that seemed to work for a couple of months but now we have had one death and a currently sick chicken in the last 2 weeks. Both of these birds are about 3 mo old and were hatched out by a broody hen from my flock. Does anyone have any ideas as to what the problem could be? It doesnt seem like an infectious process given that since the deaths in April/May the cases have been so sporadic.

 

[Paz]

Were all the chickens who died young?
Were the chickens who doed new to the flock?
Are the chicken who died vaccinated agains Marek disease?

 

[SharonTL]

1. They were all young- 3 weeks to 4 mo
2. They all joined the flock as chick's
3. The broiler chick's and the ones hatched out at home were not vaccinated against Mareks. Unknown status on the Feed Store chicks.

 

[coach723]

If you lose another, or have another with symptoms, I highly recommend you have it necropsied. They will test and tell you what they find. It could be viral, or bacterial, or any of a large number of things, symptoms can be very similar. Splits, leg weakness, paralysis, are all symptoms of Marek's disease, but can be other things. Broiler birds commonly have leg issues because they grow so rapidly. Necropsy is your best option to know for sure, so that you don't assume the wrong thing. It's hard to make correct decisions until you know for sure what you are dealing with. It's not terribly expensive in many states, call your nearest and get particulars.
Necropsy resources:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry-labs.html

https://www.aphis.usda.gov/sites/default/files/all_nahln_lab_list.pdf

 

[Paz]

My guess would be mareks. Do you live in an area that very humid during the summer? That could be why you didn’t see any new cases during the summer OR because the adults were vaccinated OR because it was a milder case and the adults have better immune systems.
Clean the coop thoroughly, send the next body to necropsy as suggested above to make sure, vaccinate the rest.
Adding vitamins and such to the diet can increase the chance of other sick birds to survive.

 

[Eggcessive]

It can be difficult to determine losses in various ages and types of birds. Coccidiosis, bad hatches, bad genetics or vitamin/mineral deficiency in parent stock, leg bone deformities, and Mareks could all be a possibility. It worth be worth getting a necropsy on 1 or more birds to get to the bottom of it. Check for mold in feed and keep in dry containers. I use 10 gallon metal garbage cans with lids, and keep them inside the coop. Avoid compost beds. I prefer to clean out coops several times a year, stir it often, and add clean dry pine shavings often. Treating young birds for coccidiosis if signs indicate that might be a problem. Worming occasionally especially if in a warm humid area can be helpful.