Marek's ?? Update

[Dixiedoodle]

I have a hen who seems to have developed some site problem. She can see I have something in my hand but her pecks are 'short'--taking several tries at actually reach the bug/goodies. She eats and drinks from the feeders/waterers that are always full and in the same place. She manages to find the roost, the door, the nest box... but something is 'a miss'. I haven't been paying really close attention to them for several weeks now and have just noticed this difference... She has no discharge, no visual injuries. It's very easy for me to get close to her, she seems calm until another hen comes around. When they are free ranging, she will venture out but doesn't stay too long and returns to the run/coop. She scratches but again it takes several pecks to actually 'reach the grass, ground, food etc....Any suggestions/ ideas. I lost another hen several weeks ago to an unknown and I am just trying to get a handle on this...Thanks

 

[horsejody]

There is an ocular form of Marek's that is different than the paralysis one. I don't know a lot about it but I have seen pictures.

http://www.ars.usda.gov/is/graphics/photos/jul01/k9494-1.htm

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g169/sancha49/Eyes/MareksDiseaseeyeinvolvement.jpg

 

[Dixiedoodle]

Thank you.. I'll check her asap...

 

[Dixiedoodle]

She seems fine,now. I watched her very closely today and she is eating oats that has sprouted-finding them on her own.. She didn't seem to have any depth perception problems- RE: pecking short (before she reached the food) and she isn't running into things.. Her eyes look 'normal'.... I guess, I worry too much.. It just seems so strange.