mcmurry sick chicks please post here

[max13077]

Just called MMH and informed them of my chicks sickness. The guy I talked to seemed very upfront and honest. He said they simply don't know what it is. They are recommending a treatment plan of antibiotics etc etc. However he said that if chicks are lost, they will extend the warranty. Mine are moving less and less so I think it's only a matter of time.

 

[poopcoop]

I received my shipment from McMurray on the 26th of February. They all arrived very energetic. The first week I had some problems with paste up, but after several hours of cleaning that has since gone away.They are now 3 weeks old and I had 4 that were very small compared to the others and could not stand. I lost TWEETY this morning, so I now still have 3 sick and 2 of them shake. I have seperated the 3 and the brooder temp is 82 in both brooders. I had them all vac. with both vacs. that McMurray offer. This is my first time with chicks and is alot more work then I thought. I enjoy the chicks and can't wait to get them into the coop. I will buy again from McMurray I don't feel it is their fault for any of my sick chicks. This is all a lerning process for me and with the help from all of the BYC members I hope my next batch will be easier. Thanks to all. POOPCOOP (RAY) South Carolina.

 

[innof8happinesses]

My order of 25 birds came March 3rd to California. One Lakenvelder died first hour. One Buff Orpington died within 2 days. Others were doing fine til second week when this weird leg weakness things came about. At first it was one golden polish. This chick is still as small as the day it came. But she eats, drinks and scoots around pretty content. Few days after her symptoms a few others developed it. I keep them all separate from the "healthy" ones b/c they will get picked on. We have: leghorns, polish, aurcanas, orpingtons, wyandottes & lakenvelders. When the second chick got sick I added hi-cal grit to their chick starter feed (universal feeds), probiotics, terramycin (in the water), cod liver oil to feed, and fresh greens like cilantro and spinach. One polish (the bigger one that got sick later) recovered within one day!!! But so far a few more have some down with it. So I have no idea what to do. I think McMurray is willing to help as I called them a few days ago, and I have to report back in 4 days.

 

[poopcoop]

Quote:
It sounds as if we have some of the same symptoms. Have any of your developed a shake?

 

[MNKris]

Well, everyone that is a poultry expert in the midwest is at a poultry conference, so that is why we aren't getting a hold of anyone. However, I did just finally get a return call from Vet Diagnostics Lab at the U of MN when one of the doctors was on his break. He said he has received multiple calls from MM customers.

The Lab wants 7-8 of the younger chicks and a few older ones from us tomorrow AM. The vet obviously can't diagnose over the phone, but given the age, he thought Marek's would be unusual. He also thought a vaccine problem would be unusual, but it did seem neurological and like a "non-normal" occurrance. There are so many diseases out there, that who knows what is happening, really.

So, I called MM back, and again asked them about paying to have our chicks tested. They said no again, which I am a little disappointed about. I had a bit of a different tone from them today, I am sure they are sick of getting calls. I now have about 15 chicks from the 2nd order that are affected. What I really want to do is just get rid of them. I don't know if I can stand looking at all these sick chicks much longer. They are everywhere in our house!

If we bring chicks in, the lab will destroy the ones that I send down so that will be a few I don't have to worry about, but I still have plenty that I am going to have to kill off. This is the worst chicken experience I have ever had. It's not as bad as having to put a horse down after a broken leg, but it ranks right up there. I hate it.

 

[PennySue]

I'm going to pass on the advice the vet said one more time. Keep any sick chicks away from all nonvaccinated birds, even if the are recovering or recovered they will still caring Marek's the rest of their lives and can pass it on. Wait until we find out.
I can't just say okay, send me more birds and give me my money back, because I also have 2 parrots that I have to wait & see. I have to know for sure, that's why I spent the money for testing.
For ones with shaking heads adding greens, even parsley if you got it, to their mash seems to give them something to focus on and is very good for them.
The main cause of death from Marek's is starvation, if they can eat they sometimes recovers.

 

[coopist]

MNKris, did he happen to say whether it might be related to a contaminated vaccine or poor vaccination procedure? In other words, not Marek's itself but still related to the vaccination in some way? I'm just wondering.

But it sounds like answers are forthcoming.

 

[PennySue]

MNKris, thanks for taking yours in also. A second lab report or even a third is good backup for all of us. I wonder if MN will be faster then WI. Mine will be there in the morning also. Let the race begin.

 

[MNKris]

Quote:
Of course it is hard to say without seeing a specimen, but he thought it did not sound like vaccinations.

 

[amaliayosa]

Wow, I have to say this is really such a sad situation. I am a first time chicken owner and was so excited about starting out, crossed all my t's dotted all i's then something like this happens. I sincerely hope we get some answers soon, and in the mean time I am keeping my fingers crossed that my chicks (11 days old) will make it through. I was going to place another chich order through Ideal, but maybe I should wait. also I hope my quail not catch it. They are all in the same room different brooders, they are the same age as the chicks.
Amy