Mareks?

[bclark7679]

I have a 7 week old chick that started out having a limp leg. I have been treating her with vitamins and giving her yogurt and cook egg yolks. She has gradually gotten worse. Its like her muscle are gone in her legs. She cant stand on them she just lays down. I have tried "physical therapy" and nothing seems to be working. I have been working on this chick for 2 weeks now. She does eat and drink fine. Its heartbreaking that I have tried everything for her. She has never been vaccinated. She is one that was hatched on our place. My question is should I go ahead and cull her or just keep doing what I am doing. I know its not a chickens life not to be able to stand and scratch the ground.

 

[Eggcessive]

you might want to do a search on Google for avian encephalomyelitis which can look like Mareks in younger chicks. Do any other members of the flock have any symptoms?

 

[bclark7679]

No its only this one. I will do a search on that. Thank you.

 

[bclark7679]

...

 

[bclark7679]

anyone else?

 

[Nambroth]

If you follow this link, and scroll down a little more than halfway, you will find a question titled "Are there any other diseases that look like Marek's?"
Read these carefully and see if anything seems to fit in your situation: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq

If you suspect Marek's, the entire FAQ is useful.

You can try vitamin therapy, which is also discussed in the article.

 

[bclark7679]

We decided to cull heras she was not getting any better. Thanks for all that replied.

 

[Nambroth]

If you're able, it might be worth it to have her tested. Where do you live? Some states are cheaper than others for testing (a few offer it for free too). That way you can know for sure for your other birds.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss. It's always tough.