Listless, loss of balance, lethargic. (Warning, gross poo picture.)

[cicene mete]

I thought about Merek's, but I don't know how she would've contracted it. All of my birds were hatchery chicks, all unvaccinated.

 

[farrier!]

I am just now reading and finding out about West Nile in chickens.
Here is one quote from online:
What are the signs of
infection?
Chicken and turkeys infected with WNV may show no signs of infection. Because WNV causes inflammation of the brain, expect clinical signs of the virus to be nervous system problems. Abnormal head posture, a obbly gait, inability to stand, staggering and tremors are common symptoms.
http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/lvstk2/EP117.pdfYourLinkGoesHere

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
Botulism is more quick than that - would have paralyzed her respiratory system before now. I'm leaning more towards mareks rather than nutritional if she's declining that fast and it's unilateral.

If she's doing that and not showing interest at all in food or drink, I'd consider euthanizing her - or taking her and actually having her tested. Or do a necropsy when she dies so you'll know it won't effect the others in your flock. If you do chose that, refrigerate - don't freeze her. (Sorry I know this is awful to bring up but better you know now than not know.)

In any case, my hopes and prayers are with you and your flock.

As for contracting Mareks, it's spread by dander and even on the wind if there's a flock near. They can pick it up on your shoes from being near someone else's birds, or a feedstore, etc. Or having someone with birds over to your place.

 

[cicene mete]

One thing DW noted: she'll perk up a bit, and even drink a little water or accept a bit of food, but shortly thereafter, she fades and her comb gets even more pale. It's as if eating and drinking makes it worse.

What's the incubation period of Marek's? How long from the time a chicken comes in contact with the virus until they show signs?

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
Four to twelve weeks.

 

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Four to twelve weeks.

sounds a lot like what happened with some of my birds this spring after all that incessant rain. I lost 2 OEGB bb red bantam pullets and 3 bbred chicks, a black bantam frizzle cochin, a 3 mo. old RIR pullet, and a blue silkie roo, all within 3 weeks.

I thought at first it might have been Marek's but with some of the other symptoms and issues, I'm not sure it wasn't a combination of something in the standing water in the run (which I could NOT do anything about at the time, but will be hauling in sand when it dries up completely) and mites. The other chickens all looked fine, but when the cochin died, I realized he was thinner than he should have been, and his skin was paler than his sibling the same color. I still don't know that it WASN'T Marek's, but I'm not certain either way. I'm sorry to hear of your issues; I hope your girl makes it.

hope all chickens live

 

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