Merecks

[ggrap]

I have 4 month old chicks that are having trouble walking. All are Barred Rocks, none of the other 2 breeds have it for now.

Is there anything I can do? Should I pull the affected ones out of the brooder?

Thanks

 

[JessaLynn]

Chances are if it's Merek's, they are all infected but I would seperate any showing symptoms just in case.Here's a link to give you some more info http://www.msstate.edu/dept/poultry/disviral.htm#mar
Good luck!

 

[ggrap]

Ok. Thanks. I hate reading stuff like that. Sounds like there is nothing to really do. I separated the 4 that are showing signs, one looks like it will die soon.

The article does say that most will live, with a 25% mortality rate being on the high end.

Now I just have to be really diligent to not spread it outside. Sounds very contagious as it is shed from the young birds. I have one pair of shoes I only wear in that brooder, and am washing my hands like a maniac.

I was trying to avoid the vaccines, but boy this is not very fun.

Thanks

 

[horsejody]

If it is Marek's, you may want to considered only getting vaccinated chicks in the future.

 

[ggrap]

I just re read my original post, and I said something wrong. The birds are 4 weeks not 4 months. I don't know if that makes a difference.

Why are they all Barred Rocks though? So far none of the RIR or Blk Australorps have come down with the not walking problem.

Thanks

 

[JessaLynn]

Hmm might be a genetic disorder or they may just have a weaker immune system for some reason.

I would cull the one that's near dead to end it's suffering. Keep your chin up

 

[Glenda L Heywood]

Mareks genetic make up is in every chick from the egg
so if they have some stressful happening
Too cold, Too hot, or just moving them they get mareks

yes each affected chick will sluff off dander after they are sick with it

about the only thing if you choose to keep them alive is to feedthem a

natural probiotic wet Mash
in the wet mash put
1/2 Vit B complex pill for total chicks
1-400 mg of Vit E capsule with end cut off and vit e squeesed into the wet mash ( these help the nervous system and can't hurt them)
for six chicks make
18 tsp of ry crumbles
18 tsp of milk any kind
1-1/2 tbsp of plain unflavored yoguart

figure what ever amt feeds each chick three tsp per chick per time feeding wet mash

do this for a week of days
then 5 times a week 2nd week
third week
3 times a week
and fouth week and there after once a week

at same time in their water
2 qts of water
1 tbsp of apple cider vinegare
and do this for thr full three weeks
it will help them become more settledt

 

[ggrap]

Thank you for writing all of that down for me. This morning I have to wonder if it is worth trying to save them.

There are 5 now, and again, all barred rocks.

They can not walk, so they are in their own poop. I really don't like watching them suffer, and wonder if nursing them will even help.

Also, my bigger concern is that I have to handle them a bunch in order to feed and give them water.

This increases the chance of me spreading to my healthy birds that are outside. Isn't that correct?

 

[Farmer Kitty]

I've never had to deal with an outbreak but, I think this is what I would do if your going to try to save them, do the outside chores first. Then do these chicks. I think I would even try having an oversized shirt or coat to slip on before handling them plus separate shoes or pvc boots that you can wash right outside their area with soap and water. And then wash with soap and water.

 

[AHappychick]

what does there poop look like, I dont think it is mareks at 4 weeks do you have any other symptoms you can give?