Thanks for the tag, @Wyrop Rock.
@krissyweso I'm so sorry. I'll try to answer your questions the best I can using my experience as a source.
1. How long since first seeing signs of paralysis do you see it start to spread to other extremities (it has just been her right foot for three weeks)?
I've had one bird present with leg paralysis and that was a 8 week old pullet. She started with a limp which progressed rapidly to dragging the foot behind her within a span of 3 days. During that time she began to drag the wing on the affected side. When it began to affect the good leg on day 4-5 and she began being picked on by her flock mates, I decided to end her suffering. At no time did I notice any improvement with her.
2. How long since first seeing signs of paralysis does Marek's usually kill the chicken?
Hard to say. Chickens can survive the initial infection only to have secondary signs of MD appear at a later date. None of my roosters survived to be 2 years of age. Only a few exceptions and they lived to be 2 and a half years. All died of either Neurological or tumors. All lost weight and weakened. Some expired on their own. Others had to be euthanized to end sufferings. My hens that died all died the same way, they lost weight in spite of a healthy appetite weakened and either died or had to be euthanized. I lost one to crop problems, one to Ocular Marek's (RIP sweet Sassy). When my birds showed the secondary symptoms, it happened suddenly and progressed rapidly until I decided that once I saw the secondary symptoms appear I culled immediately.
3. If a chicken does survive Marek's, do they get their motor abilities back or will her foot be paralyzed forever?
They can survive this stage and from what I've read, they can regain use of the affected leg. Sounds like you are doing all you can supportive but please keep in mind. If she recovers, the disease is still there and at some point in time she will display secondary symptoms and effects from MD. I cannot say how long it will take because I have never had a bird survive the paralysis stage of the disease. My best advice is to wait and see what happens. If she recovers, enjoy what time the Great Spirit gives her and keep up the supportive care as you will have a hard time keeping weight on her and keeping her free from infections.
@Sahraschweiss wow! Your experiences sound as bad as mine are and were. I'm so sorry and offer
to both of you.
"Denial teaches you a lot in observation, but it comes with the cost of suffering. Don't let your birds suffer."
This has got to be the best one line advice/quote I've ever seen about dealing with Marek's Disease. My hats off to you for creating it.
@krissyweso I'm so sorry. I'll try to answer your questions the best I can using my experience as a source.
1. How long since first seeing signs of paralysis do you see it start to spread to other extremities (it has just been her right foot for three weeks)?
I've had one bird present with leg paralysis and that was a 8 week old pullet. She started with a limp which progressed rapidly to dragging the foot behind her within a span of 3 days. During that time she began to drag the wing on the affected side. When it began to affect the good leg on day 4-5 and she began being picked on by her flock mates, I decided to end her suffering. At no time did I notice any improvement with her.
2. How long since first seeing signs of paralysis does Marek's usually kill the chicken?
Hard to say. Chickens can survive the initial infection only to have secondary signs of MD appear at a later date. None of my roosters survived to be 2 years of age. Only a few exceptions and they lived to be 2 and a half years. All died of either Neurological or tumors. All lost weight and weakened. Some expired on their own. Others had to be euthanized to end sufferings. My hens that died all died the same way, they lost weight in spite of a healthy appetite weakened and either died or had to be euthanized. I lost one to crop problems, one to Ocular Marek's (RIP sweet Sassy). When my birds showed the secondary symptoms, it happened suddenly and progressed rapidly until I decided that once I saw the secondary symptoms appear I culled immediately.
3. If a chicken does survive Marek's, do they get their motor abilities back or will her foot be paralyzed forever?
They can survive this stage and from what I've read, they can regain use of the affected leg. Sounds like you are doing all you can supportive but please keep in mind. If she recovers, the disease is still there and at some point in time she will display secondary symptoms and effects from MD. I cannot say how long it will take because I have never had a bird survive the paralysis stage of the disease. My best advice is to wait and see what happens. If she recovers, enjoy what time the Great Spirit gives her and keep up the supportive care as you will have a hard time keeping weight on her and keeping her free from infections.
@Sahraschweiss wow! Your experiences sound as bad as mine are and were. I'm so sorry and offer
to both of you."Denial teaches you a lot in observation, but it comes with the cost of suffering. Don't let your birds suffer."
This has got to be the best one line advice/quote I've ever seen about dealing with Marek's Disease. My hats off to you for creating it.
I am obviously very happy, too.
