Paralyzed Silki

[thewildbunch]

We have a beautiful buff silki rooster that was healthy as far as we could tell, but two days ago i noticed he didn't come out of the coop in the morning. When i checked on him, it's almost like his legs are useless! He tries to get up, but they don't have the strength to support his weight. We've isolated him and given him plenty of good food, but he's not eating much at all. The only thing that i can think of that has changed recently is that we wormed our flock about 10 days ago with Wazine. Any thoughts?

 

[boskelli1571]

There are a few things it might be. Firstly, has he been vaccinated against Mareks disease? Mareks is pretty widespread, so is high on the list of suspects.
Have you felt his legs? Are they hot to touch, painful, is one shorter than the other? Any of these point to an injury.
As a temporary measure, you can make him a sling for daytime use only. It will help support him so he can eat/drink.
Isolate, extra electrolytes, vitamins in the water, up the protein intake a little. You can try gentle range of motion exercise daily - stretching and bending his legs etc.
Keep us posted - I hope someone more experienced will chip in here with advice on other possible causes/treatments.
Good luck.....

 

[thewildbunch]

After researching it, I'm almost certain it is marek. Now my concern is for the rest of the flock

 

[boskelli1571]

After researching it, I'm almost certain it is marek. Now my concern is for the rest of the flock

If it is Mareks, then almost certainly the rest have it. If they are resistant, they may show no signs at all, several people have bred chickens to be resistant to Mareks disease.
It is a 'wait and see' thing - hopefully no-one else succumbs.........