Please tell me this isn't Mareck's

[Shlamoof]

My pullet started having coordination issues yesterday. Today she's the same and an Easter Egger pullet is also losing balance. They don't seem paralyzed or dizzy, just can't stand. We did find some mold under the bedding and have cleaned it. The barred seems to be losing feathers, like she's molting. They're about 6-9 months, eating chick starter, usually Purina. There are 16 other birds in their pen doing okay. Eyes are fine, vents fine. Barred looks a bit yellow in the face sometimes.

Please help me diagnose them.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Doesn't look quite like Mareks to me.

@Eggcessive

 

[Eggcessive]

I really hope that it is not Mareks, but am afraid it might be. Mold poisoning could cause similar neurological symptoms. Her toes are curling under on one foot, and her neck twists a bit like wry neck (torticolis) with the extreme imbalance. Those can be due to a vitamin deficiency or possibly Mareks.

I would separate the 2 pullets in a quiet spot to give them supportive care until you see what is going to happen. Prop them up on rolled towels. Try to get fluids into them and offer some watery chicken feed mixed with a lot of water. Vitamins with electrolytes or Poultry Cell would be good to use. Try to use one that has vitamin E, B1 thiamine, and riboflavin, which Poultry Cell has. Give 2 ml daily slowly a drop at a time. They may need help eating. I hope you see improvement soon.

 

[Eggcessive]

Some folks have reported neurogical symptoms from leaking automotive fluids in the barnyard from equipment, and of course any weedkillers or strong chemicals could be a problem. Lead poisoning near old houses and barns should also be considered. Here is some reading about Mareks disease:
http://extension.umd.edu/sites/exte...Preventing Mareks Disease in Small Flocks.pdf

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

 

[Shlamoof]

Thank you everyone. I appreciate the input. They are on a concrete slab currently, it used to be used for dogs very briefly years ago, so I don't think they have much access to anything from our vehicles. When I prop them up in a laundry basket with a blanket, there is no wobbling or anything and she can even support herself. The Easter Egger is in better shape, sometimes can hobble to and fro a bit. The barred seems to shiver some. Those are just a few things I forgot to mention. They are eating and drinking, I've been adding molasses and activated charcoal to flush their systems of toxins and add some electrolytes, but will switch to an actual product with vitamins.

 

[AmyJane725]

Poor thing. I hope it's not Marek's.
Were any of your birds vaccinated?

 

[Shlamoof]

Poor thing. I hope it's not Marek's.
Were any of your birds vaccinated?

They were from Tractor Supply or Agway. I assumed they came vaccinated, but I don't know.

 

[micstrachan]

Aawww... poor little sweetheart. Gosh, my first guess would be Marek’s, but it really could be anything neurological. Please let us know how she does. It’s good to hear she does ok propped up with towels. I imagine that might calm her and make her feel less frantic.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

http://www.vetdna.com/test-type/avian-bird

You can send a blood sample to this lab and have it tested for Marek’s. Give them a call. Very nice people who answered my million questions.

 

[Eggcessive]

If you want to get a confirmation of Mareks disease down the road, it is most reliable to get a necropsy where the state vet can actually look for tumors on nerves and in organs, and test those. There are labs that will test feather shafts and blood of a live chicken for Mareks, but there is a chance of a false positive. I would save money on testing to get a necropsy later if you should lose the chicken. Blood tests have to be drawn by a vet which can add to costs.