Possible Mareks?

[Bryverine]

After losing three of four chickens last August who suddenly became paralyzed on one side and died within weeks of each other, we were devastated and put off getting more chickens.

We ended up moving somewhere with more space for chickens and two months ago, we started our flock again and now have 10 chickens, 3 little roos, and 4 turkeys. We got them all about 2-4 weeks old and everyone has been doing great... Until yesterday.

The smallest of the 3 roosters suddenly started limping around and while he is eating/drinking fine, we decided to separate him today when things didn't improve over night. He's sitting in a bath tub now eating up food and drinking water just fine, but now I'm worried about Mareks again.

On a separate note, it was very hot the last couple days and the turkeys tend to spill water often. It sucks to say this, but I'm almost hoping it's a stroke rather than Mareks.

Is there anything else I can do to verify either condition?

 

[Eggcessive]

Did you have any birds survive and move with you before you got the new birds? Mareks is spread through the dander and any chicken dust in a coop. If there was any virus on any equipment or brooder, then, it could have exposed the new chicks. But, injuries, vitamin or mineral deficiency, or dehydration could look like Mareks. If your cockerel does not get better or dies, then you can best confirm Mareks with a necropsy by your state vet or poultry lab.

 

[Bryverine]

Did you have any birds survive and move with you before you got the new birds? Mareks is spread through the dander and any chicken dust in a coop. If there was any virus on any equipment or brooder, then, it could have exposed the new chicks. But, injuries, vitamin or mineral deficiency, or dehydration could look like Mareks. If your cockerel does not get better or dies, then you can best confirm Mareks with a necropsy by your state vet or poultry lab.

We had a coop that was used by the deceased chickens as well as our still surviving chicken (different breeder) before I fished it but was never inhabited by the chicks. That being said, they certainly could have been exposed to something if it was in my coop.

I guess I'll keep my fingers crossed that he gets better.

If it is Marek's, am I looking at a full flock eradication again?

 

[Bryverine]

But, injuries, vitamin or mineral deficiency, or dehydration could look like Mareks.

Update and question. He's still alive and while he isn't using his left leg, his wings and neck remain in good condition. He appears to recoil a bit as I touch along his left leg as I approach his hock joint.

He's eating and drinking well and his poop looks less green/yellow than before. How long should I give him to recover before I consider him a lost cause?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would give him some time to try and recover if it is an injury. Treat with B complex vitamins. Having Mareks in one’s flock does not mean that you have to cull all of your birds. Many people have flocks where there is Mareks, and not all chickens get the disease. Some people breed the survivors with good luck. If you should lose the chick eventually, it would be good to confirm that it was Mareks, to know how to deal with it in the future. Here is some reading:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

 

[Bryverine]

First guy is still alive and eating/drinking well when i move him to the bowls, but has no use of either leg it seems. He's been on water with vitamins for a few days now.
Another roo from the same flock just started a slight limp today so he was separated as well.

I will never buy a chicken again without positive proof that it has been vaccinated against mareks. This is awful to have to witness it 2/2 times I've tried raising chickens...