Neurologic problem? Wryneck? Chicken very quickly getting worse...

[Sc Owell Farm]

I'm sorry that she's declining.

If you feel she's in pain and suffering, then putting her down is the right thing to do.

For me, I use cervical dislocation using the broomstick method.

Just asking here, are you in SC? If so, were you planning on taking the body to your state lab or shipping? If taking the body, usually the lab will euthanize for you if you wish. I know it's the weekend, but often labs have staff on the weekend so it may be something to call and find out about in the morning?

Thank you so much... For awhile she was having good days and bad days, but it's been several bad days in a row and she seems pretty miserable.

We're in Alaska, and from what we can tell, they focus on infectious disease only. So she'll be going on a journey. Giving her one more night and hoping for some improvement in the morning (though I know that won't be the case).

This all seems so strange from the research I've done, so I'll post an update once I get the results in case it can help for someone in future.

 

[Sc Owell Farm]

Update: I did some additional research and the family agreed the broomstick method was the best option. We said our goodbyes and it went incredibly fast. She didn't even know what happened.

Working on the hard cry step Wyrop Rock mentioned in a post for awhile ago.

Just want to say a very heartfelt thank you for all of the help, encouragement, and guidance. She is finally at peace.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Update: I did some additional research and the family agreed the broomstick method was the best option. We said our goodbyes and it went incredibly fast. She didn't even know what happened.

Working on the hard cry step Wyrop Rock mentioned in a post for awhile ago.

Just want to say a very heartfelt thank you for all of the help, encouragement, and guidance. She is finally at peace.

I'm very sorry.

Please do let me know if you find out anything through your lab.

 

[Mason Farm and Ranch]

Thank you so much. I didn't know about Marek's until all this happened. Once I found out she was vaccinated I thought it was ruled out. Thank you for sharing that so we can continue to monitor for that.

Rest of the girls she was with before separation are still healthy.

If she passes, we will certainly do a necropsy. But we're not giving up on her!

After feedings I hold her in a rocking chair until she falls asleep. She's just the sweetest thing.

Thank you so much for all of the help!!

I am having some notable success treating Marek's with Chinese Skullcap.

425 mg 3X daily for sick birds. It's taking about a month for moderately sick birds to recover.

Marek's Disease causes wryneck both through nutritional deficiency and neurological issues. If you decide to take a chance with Chinese Skullcap, do not stop the vitamin therapy...and make sure to include Selinium. Birds can't absorb vitamin E without it.

If one bird has it, the entire flock has it.

 

[Sc Owell Farm]

Thank you for the suggestion about Chinese Skullcap. I haven't heard of it before so I'll keep that in my back pocket.

I just got off the phone with the state veterinarian who completed the necropsy: she had pretty advanced cancer. The vet has no concerns for our other birds. Several large tumors were present across multiple organs. Truly nothing we could have done to help.

While this has been a very sad experience, we have gained so much knowledge from this experience. The necropsy provided relief for the health of our flock and affirmation that we took the right steps. We also have a state contact now who is willing and able to answer future questions for us. @Wyorp Rock, we couldn't have done this without you. Thank you so much for all of your care and advice from beginning to end

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Thank you for the suggestion about Chinese Skullcap. I haven't heard of it before so I'll keep that in my back pocket.

I just got off the phone with the state veterinarian who completed the necropsy: she had pretty advanced cancer. The vet has no concerns for our other birds. Several large tumors were present across multiple organs. Truly nothing we could have done to help.

While this has been a very sad experience, we have gained so much knowledge from this experience. The necropsy provided relief for the health of our flock and affirmation that we took the right steps. We also have a state contact now who is willing and able to answer future questions for us. @Wyorp Rock, we couldn't have done this without you. Thank you so much for all of your care and advice from beginning to end

I'm glad you were able to find out more and also have a contact.

I'm sorry that you had to go through all this, it's never easy to have to watch a bird struggle.
I hope the rest of your flock remains happy and healthy.

 

[Sc Owell Farm]

I'm glad you were able to find out more and also have a contact.

I'm sorry that you had to go through all this, it's never easy to have to watch a bird struggle.
I hope the rest of your flock remains happy and healthy.

Thank you so much. We always wish the best but it's good to be prepared for the worst too. At least she is now at peace.