just looking for some advice

[OkValleyGirl]

Is this a rooster or hen what breed is it? I'm thinking it's a rooster but it doesn't have long feathers
He or she can't walk adopted it like that.. thanks for the help..

 

[harmesonfarm]

looks to me like a rooster, maybe a barred rock?

I'm a newbie too so hopefully someone with more knowledge/ experience can comment!

 

[OkValleyGirl]

I am new too ..

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

It looks like a young barred rock rooster that probably has Mareks.

 

[harmesonfarm]

It looks like a young barred rock rooster that probably has Mareks.

is not walking a symptom/ result of mereks? how old would a chicken be to have that sign show?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Mareks is a viral form of cancer that causes internal tumors, the first signs are usually seen at around 5 months or so, paralysis is the main symptoms, there are other things like botulism and spinal injuries that cause problems too.

 

[drumstick diva]

There is also ocular Mareks which affects the eyes.. Put "The great big Mareks thread," in the search box and you can find out a lot about the disease. Survivors will be carriers for life.

 

[harmesonfarm]

Mareks is a viral form of cancer that causes internal tumors, the first signs are usually seen at around 5 months or so, paralysis is the main symptoms, there are other things like botulism and spinal injuries that cause problems too.

hmmm, i was just curious because we've just got some young chicks between 2-5 weeks of age, they aren't vaccinated against mereks and my understanding is that it has to be done when they are 1 day old?

we have some older hens and i would hate for it to spread if it turns out they have it (i understand it's in the soil...?), is it really contagious? should we keep them fully seperated until 5-6 months old when the signs would be showing up?

 

[enola]

If this chicken is carrying Marek's the disease will spread to your entire flock.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would read that thread that drumstick diva mentioned. It is mostly spread by feather dander, I have had a few with it in the past, thankfully it was limited to a few and I haven't seen it since, I don't vaccinate for it, but I'm willing to cull if it shows up again. I have recently read that my keeping turkeys has probably given my chickens some immunity because turkeys can carry a milder strain that will inoculate chickens.

I don't think quarantine works well because it can spread on the wind. At this point I don't think it matters and they will either show symptoms or not, not all that get infected become sick, and those that do should probably be culled. I now only get chicks from a single hatchery and avoid feed store chicks and swap meets.