Introduction

[Briseggs]

Marek's is not something to be taken lightly, if one bird has it, they all have it. It's a huge responsibility to take care not to spread it to other flocks in your area... it's spread by dander on the ground, on your shoes and clothes. Some birds can survive contact and develop an immunity but will always be carriers capable of transmitting the disease further. Even vaccinations won't prevent the spread, they only prevent symptoms from showing and birds are still carriers. The only way to eradicate it is to cull the entire flock, wait a year or longer for the virus to dissipate from the property and start over. Some people with Marek's do choose to keep a closed flock and not let any birds leave their property.

Marek's Disease Virus is very easy to misdiagnose, even by a veterinarian. The ONLY way to confirm it IS with a blood test. MDV is not passed from hen to egg, so the fertilized eggs you received couldn't have been the cause. Have you checked with your county extension office to see which strains of Marek's may be in your area?

There are many other illnesses that cause tumors, partial paralysis or appear neurological including a physical injury, kidney disease, West Nile Virus, Newcastle, cancer or exposure to toxins such as weed killer. Here's a link that lists a few more:
https://www.mypetchicken.com/backya...llnesses-with-neurological-symptoms-H395.aspx

I'm still not seeing a rooster in your photos. I'm wondering if Lewis might actually be a pullet with a reproductive disorder or oviduct damage that's causing some confusing rooster traits to come out and prevent egg laying. There could also be any number of reasons for stunted growth, especially with birds from a weak hatch. I would highly suggest sending in a blood sample from your bird in question to rule out Marek's or know for sure. You can find a lab in your area:
http://www.metzerfarms.com/PoultryLabs.cfm
or
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/necropsy-and-disease-testing-lab-info.1236884/

I also advise starting a new thread in the disease/injury/cures forum. The BYC educators and other very knowledgable people visit there frequently and may have better information for you.

Thank you so much for this I will take your advice.