Maybe nothing, but....

[CT Coop]

I have a 4 mo. old Bielefelder cockerel/rooster who has become quite interested in the hens...no problem there...but all of a sudden for the last 3 days all he is doing is laying around. He did get on a hen for a short time this morning, but laid right back down. I did vaccinate him for Marek's, because 5 years ago I took a couple of young hens from a friend who was moving, not knowing they had Marek's...I'm sure he didn't either. So, I've maintained a closed flock and vaccinated all my chicks ever since.

I have checked all over his body and can find no injuries or other issues.

I am just really worried about this....he is not showing any real signs of Marek's, but laying around 90% of the day doesn't seem right, even when it's 90 degrees outside, and all the other chickens are up and around. I do have another Bielefelder roo same age, but not a dominant boy at all who is doing just fine. What do you all think? Am I worried for nothing?

 

[nchls school]

A four month old cockerel should not be inactive 90% of the day. Since it has only been three days and there are no symptoms just keep a close eye on him.

When you checked him, what did you look for? All birds are good at hiding illness. In nature a bird that looks sick is soon someones' lunch. Even in our flocks, the healthy often gang up on the weak and ill.

 

[CT Coop]

I looked for injury and made sure joints, etc were moving properly. His eyes and nose look good and his breathing sounds good. I also checked his weight, which seems good....with Marek's weight loss was prevalent and I don't see that...at least not yet. Yes, I will definitely watch him closely for any other clues. Thank you so much for your response!

 

[nchls school]

Check the vent area for discoloration and diarrhea. Does his comb look good-bright red with no bluish discoloration?

 

[CT Coop]

Comb and vent look great....but I took treats out and got him to get up and saw a definite limp. Hate to say this, but sure hoping it's an injury...I really don't want to deal with Marek's again...but I will also say it is a different kind of limp than that was. I've never had the vaccine not work. Will just keep a close eye on him.