Help, sickly chick.

[Frecky45]

I haven't dealt with chickens since I was a child. Many years ago. So, I have a 15 week old black sex-link. Last night she was laying on the floor of the coop in a corner. Concerned, I set her in a box of pine shavings for comfort.this morning she was still there. She didn't perk up at all when I lifted her and saw that the shavings were wet and a white pastie stuff was under her. I changed the bedding and noticed the same thing on the floor. I cleaned her up and stood her on the floor but she was very unsteady. I offered her some corn and she would not eat or drink. I am very worried. Anyone have an idea what is wrong or what I can do?

 

[Frecky45]

I took her to vet. She thinks it may be Marek's. I really hate to lose Hedwig. She is so sweet. Is there anything I can do? I am feeding her with a syringe and also giving her water. Vet doesn't hold out much hope. Is there nothing I can do. Do they always die?

 

[real_redhead]

I have no idea but wanted to say so sorry she is sick and I hope she gets better. I would bring her in if you could and put her in a nice warm, dark place maybe with the heat lamp and keep getting her to drink. Maybe try some yogurt? Have you tried any special treats she likes to see if she will eat that...bread, pasta, melons, warm oatmeal. GOOD LUCK!!

 

[CluckyCharms]

If it is Marek's:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/135247/st-johns-wort

But...did your vet run a fecal to rule out Coccidiosis and other parasites?

 

[leadwolf1]

If it is Marek's, there is nothing that can be done. I don't want to take away hope so, I will give you what I try each and every time...

.5 mls poly vi sol, without iron, once daily
400 ius vitamin E twice daily
5 drops of 30 units of Hypericum dissolved in distilled water, twice daily. Each time I make fresh.

I have never been able to save a chicken that has Marek's. I have tried everything. I have lost 40+ chickens in a little over a year. It is a horrible disease. That being said, I would not take the work of the vet. There is just no way she can make that diagnosis without a necropsy. There are other diseases that can cause the same thing.

Where would I start with treatment? I would treat for coccidiosis first. Use Corid and treat for 5 - 7 days. If no improvement, switch to the vitamin therapy. If there is no improvement within 2 week or, she gets worse...you will then know that you are dealing with something far worse then coccidiosis or a vitamin deficiency. At that point, I would suggest euthanizing and having a necropsy performed. Contact your local government extension office. They will be able to guide you to where there is a state lab that will do necropsies for little/no cost. Gather this information now.

In the meantime, mix crumbles, water and yogurt together. Make a mash with this mixture. Feed her this..most chickens just love it! If this doesn't work try scrambled egg, mealworms, hotdogs, etc to get some protein into her. The best part about the mash is that no other water is necessary. They will get all the moisture that they need from the mixture. With the yogurt, it will also provide protein and probiotics.

Good luck with your hen. Where did you get her? How long have you had her? Any new chickens? A good flock history goes a long way towards knowing if Marek's is even a possibility.

 

[Frecky45]

Thank you to those who replied with we'll wishes and advice. Unfortunately my Hedwig didn't make it through the night. I am planning on picking up the advised supplies today so that I am ready if any of the remaining 3 start showing similar symptoms. The advice to get a necropsy done will be taken as well. I like to know what I might find myself in the middle of. I will check with the state this morning. My Heddy was a really great little friend and source of entertainment and she will be missed. Thank you all again.

 

[leadwolf1]

I'm so sorry for your loss

 

[Frecky45]

In case anyone is interested, I received the results of the necropsy on my Hedwig. There was no sign of a viral or bacterial infection nor any sign of cocci. What they found was total renal failure. Her kidneys were evenly and completely destroyed. The vet said she had not seen anything like it except with poison. Usually anti-freeze or slug bait. Neither of which are anywhere near my back yard. She did suggest it might have been hereditary. My other 3 girls are doing fine, but believe me I watch them very closely. Thanks again for help and thoughts.