Lame Rooster

[Wyorp Rock]

Poor Guy! Your boys are handsome.

I'd try the antibiotics, what do you have?

I'd also give the vitamins and some extra protein. Maybe some egg or a little fish (sardines, mackerel).
=================
I'm just running down everything I can think of at this time, so I'm not saying any of these apply, just brainstorming here.

Are his leg shanks thickened?
Any chance he's been fighting and got injured/attacked?

Any lice/mites...
What's the poop like?

No access to moldy feed, compost (rotting material).

Added any new birds?


I'm going to tag in @microchick and @coach723 to have a look. Both have dealt with Marek's in their flock in some shape or form.

Can't rule it out, but there's SO many conditions that can affect chickens, it could be something else.

 

[Hamburg]

Thank you for your concern, and suggestions. He did not make it through the day. I just finished burying him. No, none of those things apply. I would like to know what the issue is. I have lost to many birds to it.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you for your concern, and suggestions. He did not make it through the day. I just finished burying him. No, none of those things apply. I would like to know what the issue is. I have lost to many birds to it.

I'm sorry to hear he didn't make it.

It can be hard to nail down these things, especially if it's sporadic. Since the symptoms you saw with him are very similar to what you have seen in the past with hens as well, I'd lean more toward Marek's. While it does seem to show up in younger birds, it can affect them at different ages too.

Any chance he and the hens all have the same line/parentage while all the ones that have been "healthy" have a different line/parentage?
I wouldn't think it's genetic, but you never know.

The only way to know for certain about Marek's is to have testing. This may be something to consider doing in the future if you lose more in a short period of time.

 

[microchick]

Sorry I'm late in chiming in here. Doctor's appointment followed by Physical Therapy and we just walked in the door.

So sorry that you are going through this with your birds. Very pretty birds and I'm partial to roosters.

I agree with what @Wyorp Rock said. (Thanks for the tag Wyorp!) Could be Marek's. But his gait is strange. I lost one 9 week old to 'regular' neuro Marek's disease. Symptoms appeared suddenly with her knuckle under walking on one foot that quickly progressed to full paralysis in that leg and her dragging it behind her. The other leg followed in less than 48 hours until she was fully paralyzed.

So what I'm going to ask, are you seeing any classic 'scissor' positioning in one or both of the legs of your birds where they are laying with one leg stretched out in front of them and one behind?

Are you noticing any wasting and weight loss in spite of the birds eating well?

It's established that their balance is off which could be a Marek's symptom.

Unfortunately the only way that you are going to find out what is going on is to submit a carcass for necropsy. Do you have a vet? Sometimes they will do necropsies or refer you to the right agency in your area that will be able to help you.

In the mean time I think you are doing all that you can do until you find out what is going on in your flock. The fact that you are losing numerous birds is alarming.

And yes, vaccinated birds can still get Marek's. There are instances that if the strain on the disease that is occurring in your area isn't the same strain in the vaccine you will see the disease rear it's ugly head. Your local home extension office can help you there. They should have the information about local Marek's cases.

Hang in there and please consider Necropsy ASAP.

Blessings,
Becky.

 

[Hamburg]

Thank you very much for your response. No, no scissoring with the leg. But, yes when we see the loss of balance and collapsing, they seem to be on the light side, probably some wasting. We are in a rural area with one very over worked vet. Her practice is made up of large livestock, horses, cats and dogs. We have taken ducks to her and she has helped us with antibiotics. No over the counter antibiotics for animals in Arizona anymore. If I get a chance I will ask her about my birds. we certainly spend enough there on our cats and dogs to get her attention for a little bit. I will ask around and see if I can find out how to get a necropsy done. Maybe through the state vet. that way I will be ready when make it happen when the next bird develops it. Again thank you.

PS: I hope your doctor appointment and you physical therapy went well.