My rooster has stopped walking and I’m not sure why!!

[Haleigh2000]

I had noticed my rooster was limping and little and laying down a lot and by the end of the day he could no longer walk. He can’t even stand and I’ve noticed his feet/toes curl. He kicks almost like he’s trying to sit up but can’t, he try’s to use his wings to stabilize himself. I’ve been helping him eat and drink for the past few days and I’ve also been giving him rooster booster.

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome and sorry about your rooster. How old is he? Do you have another rooster who might have hurt him? Was he vaccinated for Mareks disease? His curled under toes and lameness could be signs of Mareks disease. I hope not, but it can show up in young birds under a year. Could he have gotten into any toxic plant or moldy feed? I would try some human vitamin b complex 1/2 tablet and vitamin E 400 IU daily. Is he eating and drinking okay?

 

[Eggcessive]

He are some links to read about Mareks:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

https://vetmedbiosci.colostate.edu/vdl/colorado-avian-health-program/mareks-disease/

 

[Haleigh2000]

He’s 4 years old and he’s been vaccinated. I have three roosters and they’ve been having some dominance issues. I’ve never seen them get into bad fights though they usually just run from each other. I don’t think he’s eaten anything toxic and he definitely hasn’t eaten any moldy feed. He eats and drinks fine I just have to help him get it since he can’t move. He still has his attitude when the chicks get to close to him he pecks them lol. He’s normal other than the fact that he can’t use his legs

 

[Eggcessive]

Have you added any new chickens to your flock in recent weeks or months? Have you ever had any suddenly deaths in the flock or similar symptoms? Could the other roosters have prevented him from eating and drinking? I would try the vitamins. Here is a reasonable price on the b complex:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Spring-V...MIx-_qm5q4jAMVZMKfCR0AiTftEAQYASABEgKmT_D_BwE
You should also find the E softgels there which can be cut open and fed in some mushy feed.

 

[Haleigh2000]

He may have less availability too food than the others since he doesn’t really come around when my more dominant rooster is around but I do feed in separate areas to try and help this. I have added new birds but everyone else is fine but him. I will try the vitamins and see what happens

 

[CharlesnBlue]

funny I just posted something similar
and pretty boy has been vaxed for mericks

 

[Eggcessive]

@Haleigh2000 is your rooster still lame? Is he doing any better? If you should lose him, I would contact your state vet for a necropsy if you would like to find out what he had. Adding new birds can be risky if one had been exposed to Mareks disease. With multiple roosters, they can bully or keep others from eating, and of course injuries may occur. If exposed to a carrier of Mereks, it take about 3 or more weeks for symptoms to occur. Here is a list of state vets to contact for a necropsy and testing:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry...7IOlHOhP-eD8qMtZ70RNq6BMO9kVUn3x6so7q0Z_JgEr8

 

[Haleigh2000]

@Haleigh2000 is your rooster still lame? Is he doing any better? If you should lose him, I would contact your state vet for a necropsy if you would like to find out what he had. Adding new birds can be risky if one had been exposed to Mareks disease. With multiple roosters, they can bully or keep others from eating, and of course injuries may occur. If exposed to a carrier of Mereks, it take about 3 or more weeks for symptoms to occur. Here is a list of state vets to contact for a necropsy and testing:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry...7IOlHOhP-eD8qMtZ70RNq6BMO9kVUn3x6so7q0Z_JgEr8

He is still lame but I see improvements, I believe he hurt one of his legs. He stands and tries to walk but one of his legs works and the other he has troubles moving. I’m still giving him vitamins though and I’m keeping him separated and just letting him rest.