Lame hen

[paddyg84]

Have a wellsummer pullet that I just found lying on her front with wings slightly out and legs lying behind her. I went over and normally she would run a mile but she tried moving and couldn't. I've yet to be able to handle her calmly but when I lifted her she didn't struggle one bit. Put her safely in the coop and ten mins later I looked in and she was able to stand but unable to get on the roost. I put her on the roost and next time I checked she was sitting on the floor again. Anyone any ideas what might be wrong?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would do some research on Mareks disease. There are some other neurological diseases such as botulism from eating decayed maggots, animal carcasses, and vegetation, and fowl tick disease, but Mareks is fairly common. Here are some good sites to look at:
http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/avian-atlas/search/disease/502
http://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000791_Rep813.pdf
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/19/botulism

 

[paddyg84]

Thanks, read through those sites and so far the only symptom I have noticed in her is the paralysis/weakness in her legs and wings. She was able to get out of the coop this morning but she still doesn't seem right. I couldn't see much on treatments for it. Would you know of any? Thanks for the info

 

[realsis]

It does sound like it could be mareks. Sadly if it is Mareks their is no cure. Was she vaccinated for mareks disease?

 

[paddyg84]

I don't think she was vaccinated. Is it likely to be fatal? I have done some reading and it doesn't look good. Have 8 in total and would hate to see them go. Wouldn't have the heart to cull them either

 

[Eggcessive]

I haven't treated Mareks in my flock, but many others on here have, and they have a great thread going with answers to most questions from personal experience along with research they have done. It is usually fatal to a certain percentage. Here are two good links to read:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/741957/not-an-emergency-mareks-in-the-flock