One Leg Stretch

[Edexter]

I have been struggling with keeping my flock healthy for about a year. I've lost 5 hens now.

Everytime I find a dead hen, she has one leg stretched backwards and one tucked under her.

I'm curious, is this how chickens die or is it a common symptom of whatever they have?

 

[countrygirl345]

It might be mareks, which is paralysis on one side. Were they vaccinated as chicks?

 

[Eggcessive]

It does sound like Mareks disease. How old were they when they died? Below is one of the signs of Mareks with one leg stretched out in front, and one in back. Here are some links for you to read:

http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/avian-atlas/search/disease/502
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq
http://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000791_Rep813.pdf

 

[Edexter]

Hmm. I will read those articles when I get home. Thanks.

They only had the one extended leg backwards when they died, not during the days prior. They would waddle around upright and puffed up like a penguin. Does this still sound like Mareks?

My 3 year Olds were from tractor supply, my 2 year Olds were from a friend who got them from an auction so I don't know if they were vaccinated. Newbie mistake I suppose. I never knew they were supposed to b vaccinated!