Marek's? Even with all of the reading here and on the web. Not sure what next.
1 20 wk pullet passed quickly a few months ago. Necropsy was Marek's (internal tumor type) She didn't have time to lose weight. Just looked ill 2 days and died in the night. No problems with legs or walking. Her legs went front and back just prior to death. At least, that is the way I found her in her box in the house.
Still had 1 bantam rooster, 3 bantam pullets 1 SF pullet and 4 EE hen's. I assumed with this news, that in short order they would drop one by one.... Nothing happened, until last week...
Rooster and his sister are ill. I am assuming Marek's. Drunk staggering, no balance. Legs and wings are not ever stiff, but more limp, no strength. They sit on their hocks, sleep alot. The hens right pupil doesn't respond to light properly. They Eat and Drink sort of okay. I am giving them egg soaked bread, cat food, bananna, tuna, yogurt, chicken food. St John's Wort, Turmeric, trying Acetyl-L Carnitine (amino acid for nerve damage). No real changes, yesterday the pullet wanted out and tried to stand and peck around the laundry room. Today, pretty listless. Rooster who was laying on his side yesterday was standing up this morning and gobbling the food I brought after not crowing one day, crowed 12 times this am. From this thread I see that there is just ups and downs, no real improvement to be expected.
That said, if it is Marek's and they will not recover fully... As many of you have experienced. I would want to euth. now rather than months down the road. It's exhausting and sucked out alot of the joy out of having chickens. Stinks cuz they are so aware and alert....
Question???? Thoughts??? Before I end this, I will try antibiotics and corid, I guess worm them...to give it every chance to not be Mareks.
Vitamin deficiency....I can't imagine how... Everyone else is healthy, good weight and laying. (for now
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Thanks for reading. So freaking sad.