Leg issue

[nrthnnymomma]

I have a 14 week old chicken who, 4 weeks ago, started acting off. Would hobble around and just hide in the corner of the coop. I nursed her to eating better. And she does that like a pro now. But she is not even hobbling now. Its like her leg is useless. She can not/will not grasp. She is alert. Eating, Pooping, and Breathing well; Acting normal in all other aspects. Just can't use her left leg. She had her Mereks immunization at birth. I just don't know what is best at this point. Should I give her a few more weeks? Or should we consider her quality of life. She is in a pet carrier now and since moving in there seems to have regressed. I would hate to move her back, now that I am confident its not health issue, in with her sisters and have them get rough with her. Any advice would be wonderful.

 

[leadwolf1]

The Marek's vaccine does not prevent them from getting Marek's. It only prevents them from developing the tumors associated with the disease. It is also only 90% effective.

You are describing symptoms of Marek's. However, you need to make sure that it isn't a vitamin deficiency. Follow this vitamin protocol:

.5 mls of poly vi sol, without iron, daily
400 ius of vitamin E daily

This can take up to two weeks for improvement to be seen. If, she gets worse or, in two weeks you see no improvement, you are dealing with something far worse than a vitamin deficiency. If there is no improvement, I would recommend having her euthanized and a necropsy performed. You need to know, for your sake and the sake of your flock, what you are dealing with. You can call your local government extension office and find out where the nearest state lab is located. They will perform necropsies for little or no cost.

 

[nrthnnymomma]

Thanks. I will get on that. I picked up some NutriDrench and started that as well. I worried it was Mereks but no other symptoms have appeared in the few weeks this has been going on. I will be aggressive with the vitamins for a few more weeks. I appreciate it!