I have Marek's. Or Do I? Now What?

[Bawkbok]

Can a chicken have Mareks without her eyes being affected?

Yes. We had a case that did not affect the eyes. It was neurological, impacting her ability to walk and she got wry neck and was star gazing all the time. Her neck was so tight I couldn't even straighten out. I think there is a vitamin protocol that can help temporarily but if it's Marek's there is no cure. There are various types of Marek's and there is extensive information on this site. There's a great article here in the article section that might help explain the various symptoms. I'll see if I can find it.

 

[MROO]

Can a chicken have Mareks without her eyes being affected? I have a sick 5 yr old hen. At first she just seemed to be "slowing down." I thought maybe she is just getting old. She started loosing weight, but would take treats from me. Her comb became lighter, shrunken and flopped over. Still, she seemed happy otherwise. But this week, she's skin and bones, and what I thought was weekness, now looks more paralysis. She can't walk and her feet are curled under her, but not tight or rigid. She holds her neck all folded up but can still turn her head side to side.
So, I was thinking she would just die naturally and quietly. But this seems to be dragging on. When she does pass, I'll get her tested to be sure.
Also, we have 2 young roos that I was wanting to re-home. But if they have Mareks, what are my options?

If you have Marek's in any of your birds there is no safe way to rehome them. Even sending them to another Marek's positive flock is dangerous because there are different strains. Your options are pretty much "keep or cull." I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. It's heartbreaking.

 

[2ndTink]

There is a really good place to get information and also Chinese Skullcap in easy to dose forms, it’s called “Dam Kids Ranch.”

@izopsitos 500% do this. Get some 500mg capsules for dosing symptomatic birds and get the bulk powder to mix in their feed. Every day, don't skip days, get a consistent dose of Chinese Skullcap into them. If you have any birds that have already progressed to the disease stage you may still lose them, but the Chinese Skullcap will inhibit the viral replication for most of your birds and it will save you a ton of heartache!

Can a chicken have Mareks without her eyes being affected? I have a sick 5 yr old hen.

yes, Ocular Mareks. Regarding the extra roosters, you need to keep them or you can put them in the freezer. The meat is perfectly fine.

To be sure of what you are dealing with I recommend you send a sample from your hen to RAL, and you could also send samples from the 2 boys as well, and have them pcr tested for Mareks. Then you won't be guessing. It just takes a small blood sample and a swab from your live birds.