Hello, I've talked with a couple of you on other posts about Mareks and one of my hens. Since then my BO hen has made a 75% recovery, but after a great deal of research, she'll likely die in a few weeks anyway if it's Mareks. I had a silkie hen also come down with the same symptoms, and then a couple BLR roos. Though I talked with the state vet and was told I was over reacting, I really think it's Mareks. I found a vet to do the necropsy, so at least the next to go will reveal whatever this is. I have to say though, my little splash silkie is one tough little bird!! She just will not die
I know that may sound afwul but she was in such bad shape, despite me trying every trick in the book. I have prepared for her death several times now, but each time she just keeps going! I just love her!!
So for the OP, I had a BO hen, 20+ weeks, not laying yet, staggering, uncoordinated, laying down alot, eventually unable to stand or feed. I wormed my flock, treated for cocci with Sulmet, added a vit/min supplement, and dosed my BO hen with a ton of vit E. I repeated the vit E for 3 days, and then just let it go. The hen has made a 75% recovery, still stumbles a bit but looks good otherwise. Within a day or two my splash silkie began with the same symptoms, I did the same thing for her but she is not responding as well, though she is still alive. In case I missed something I started her on amoxicillan, since I had some. I'm out of options with her. What doesn't kill her may cure her, or at least that's the hope. I won't treat the roos, but will have one necropsied next week if it dies.
In my research I read that most birds will die from Mareks before 25 weeks, after that it's not likely to be Mareks. So if you're birds are over a year it may not be Mareks. Another thread had mentioned toxins creating the same symptoms. Both interesting things to consider. Good luck to all of us!!
