Help rooster cannot stand and cannot walk very well!!!

[chickgirl11]

My year old Buff Orphington roo was having some balance issues last month and now the problem is wayyy worse. He can't really stand but he crouches down instead. Whenever he walks he doesn't stand up straight but crouches and waddles almost duck-like. He takes slow uneven steps and trips often. At night all the other birds perch in the rafters of the coop but he remains grounded. Whenever I sit him down after holding him, he tips over forward. I have no idea what is causing this but maybe he had a fight with the other roo. They don't usually fight but who know, its a possibility.

 

[leadwolf1]

A few things come to mind...mites, ear infection and the last and most scary, Marek's.

Check for critters and treat if you find any. Have they been wormed lately?

If I remember correctly, ear infections can be treated with a drop of olive oil in the ear canal.

Read threads on Marek's. There is no cure. If you lose him, I would have a necropsy done so that you will know for sure what killed him and whether it will be a problem with your other birds. Most states have labs that will do them for little/no cost.