Is it mareks disease or something else?

[blueamber]

Hi, I'm a new member to the group, I now only have 2 out of my 4 girls left

. I got my 4 girls, a silver Sussex-Hennie (found her dead in the coop one morning 3-4 weeks ago), a light Sussex-Thomas (died 4 days ago from a prolapsed vent-currently waiting results of necropsy from the vets), an amber link-Fergie, and a bluebell-Elsa. I noticed on Wednesday that Thomas (a hen but she belonged to my little boy hence the name) had a prolapsed vent, she had only laid one egg prior to this- a large, white double yolker. I brought her in, gave her a bath (20min+) applied prep H, gave her sugar water and kept her in a large dog crate in the living room, darkened to put her off laying (provided corn not layers pellets). She didn't eat or drink and sadly died 2 hours before her vets appointment. I took her to the vets for necropsy. The appointment was also for Elsa, since taking Thomas out of the run, she had been acting quite strange- walking round for a minute or two then wings opened slightly and she would then just sit down, all puffed up, she was eating and drinking a bit but not much. The vet diagnosed Mareks-no tests of any kind, just based on these symptoms/signs, and she would probably die in the next few weeks

. I bought her home and put poultry tonic in their water, decided not to separate her from Fergie as she would then be on her own and if it was mareks, she would already be infected. However since yesterday afternoon she hasn't displayed these symptoms and is pretty much back to her usual self. I now doubt it's mareks from what I've read/videos I've watched. Just looking for advice/opinions please. Thank you.

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard chickens. This is way beyond my knowledge - it would be best for you to post in full detail at "emergencies, diseases, injuries, cures, thread"

You can also put Mareks disease in the search box for more information while awaiting replies. Does your vet have any knowledge of chickens at all??

 

[blueamber]

Thank you for the reply. I do doubt her knowledge now although to be fair to her, the way elsa was at the vets, did seem very much like mareks. I have spent hours researching it and did think the same. Due to her complete turn around I am now thinking she was just aware of the removal/death of Thomas and was just kind of depressed for a while. I know that sounds silly but I can't think of anything else that it could have been as she is now back to normal.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!