Looks like his legs are made of rubber

[ladybug99]

I have been having some issues with one of my roosters this week. His legs have seemed to turn into rubber, he has very poor balance and wobbles around like a baby just learning to walk. He is no longer able to roost he is sleeping in one of the nesting boxes. I watched him this morning for a good long time as I am concerned he is in pain.... he takes a few steps and loses his balance but in the next moment he is doing his thing with the girls, and then out of the corner of my eye I see him fighting with the other rooster... he is not showing any signs of fatigue or pain, and has not lost any of his strength, eats and drinks just fine. Any one had this similar problem?? Any ideas to help him out???

 

[Eggcessive]

Was he vaccinated for Marek's Disease?

 

[ladybug99]

Come to think of it no he was hatched by a broody last spring, looks more like that's what it is unfortunately. I have him separated from the rest of my flock... which are all vaccinated at the hatchery. He was attacked by the hens yesterday, he is showing improvement but not much, I may decide to cull him tomorrow if he doesn't improve over the night

 

[Eggcessive]

He also could have other diseases such as botulism or aspergillosis that could cause neurological symptoms. Has he been exposed to spoiled or moldy feed, decaying animal carcasses, plant waste, maggots, or pond mud?

 

[ladybug99]

He is about 18 months old.. I don't think its Mercek's. He is showing improvement, but still wobbly. They do free range so he might have gotten into something he wasn't suppose to in the woods. I have him on antibiotics and electrolytes and separated from the rest..... hoping for the best

 

[ladybug99]

Elliot is much better, but still a bit wobbly, I have him separated from the rest. I think he has a broken wing and some other neurological issues going on. One of his wings hangs lower than the other. I believe he may have gotten into a fight with another rooster and did not fare so well. He is my sweetest Rooster and I do hope he pulls thru. He is eating normally, drinking well, crows all day long and is falling in love with the ducks in the pen adjoining his! I am hoping for the best

 

[Skipspin]

I have a hen that had these issues over a year ago. I was super-scared that we had Mareks, but it turns out it's just some neurological issue/injury. She's just fine now, though still wobbles and stumbles more than a normal chicken. Otherwise she's healthy, though she had days when her legs seem worse. Biggest problem is that after being in isolation for so long, she thinks she's a cat. If we don't put her in the coop at night she sleeps on our porch steps. If my daughter brings her in the house (usually being sneaky) she will stay wherever you set her all night without moving. We loving call her "special" and her name is Patience.