I think two of my chicks have Marek's. Is there anything I can do and what is the prognosis?

[FandangoRanch]

They are 6 to 8 weeks. One cannot stand and the other has very swollen eyes.

 

[seminolewind]

Hi. 6-8 weeks is prime time, but it's hard to say whether it is or not. The one with the swollen eyes I'd give her Tylan.

 

[Araucana16]

There really isn't much you can do with Marek's other than make them comfortable and as happy as possible as they die

I really hope it's something else

If you have other chickens make sure they are away from the two that are looking sick and are vaccinated. If they come down with it, buy more chickens and make sure they are vaccinated.

 

[FandangoRanch]

Does that mean they are going to die for sure? I don't want them to suffer unnecessarily. I am crying. I do not like this at all. I have segragated them and totally cleaned out the coop.

 

[Araucana16]

If they have Marek's, I am so so so so so sorry (sorry for all the sos also...) but yes, they will

There is no cure, only vaccinations, which are available at twincitypoultrysupply.com, and those are only 90% effective. This disease sticks around a flock pretty much forever, it seriously sucks! I feel for you! I don't have any chickens right now (double tear) because they are illegal in my neighborhood. I had to sell my hens, who were like my babies.

Provided I was in your shoes, I would wait a few days, do some research, keep them as comfortable and happy as you can, and if all signs point to Marek's, I would put them down... I agree that it's not a necessary to put them through pain for no reason. There are probably threads in the meat section that will show you how to humanely put a chicken down, or you can take them to the vet.

Know that at least they had a wonderful life

And also, I don't know for sure if the swollen eyes are a symptom of Marek's, but I think that not eating and drinking, tumors, sometimes an inability to breathe, and not being able to stand are all symptoms. Sometimes it's only one leg... and are they very alert, or lethargic and unresponsive?

 

[chick chicks]

Mareks disease has a VERY high mortality rate, but apparently if you keep them away from the rest and as long as they keep eating and drinking there is a VERY slim chance they could maybe bounce back, but again this is highly unlikely so I wouldn't get your hopes up. I really hope for you it's not Mareks.

 

[FandangoRanch]

The one that cannot stand is getting worse. I don't want her to suffer. I will wait a day and see but I am pretty darn sure this is Marek's. I get all the things nobody else gets. Story of my life.

 

[FandangoRanch]

I have totally cleaned out the coop and sprayed it down with vinegar and replaced fresh shavings. I am leaving the pop door open for ventilation. I think my Marans is next in line to get sick.

 

[chick chicks]

I'm very sorry to hear that

 

[FandangoRanch]

If they have Marek's, I am so so so so so sorry (sorry for all the sos also...) but yes, they will

There is no cure, only vaccinations, which are available at twincitypoultrysupply.com, and those are only 90% effective. This disease sticks around a flock pretty much forever, it seriously sucks! I feel for you! I don't have any chickens right now (double tear) because they are illegal in my neighborhood. I had to sell my hens, who were like my babies.

Provided I was in your shoes, I would wait a few days, do some research, keep them as comfortable and happy as you can, and if all signs point to Marek's, I would put them down... I agree that it's not a necessary to put them through pain for no reason. There are probably threads in the meat section that will show you how to humanely put a chicken down, or you can take them to the vet.

Know that at least they had a wonderful life

And also, I don't know for sure if the swollen eyes are a symptom of Marek's, but I think that not eating and drinking, tumors, sometimes an inability to breathe, and not being able to stand are all symptoms. Sometimes it's only one leg... and are they very alert, or lethargic and unresponsive?

They are alert and eating and drinking. Not at all unresponsive.