Possible Marek's?

[Skittlez]

My 8 month old Orphington/Rhode Island Red hen has a bad leg that has been getting worse. She is eating and drinking ok. She lost feathers but they are growing back. Her eyes are clear and she is inside now. She has stopped laying and her wings are fine. I am not sure, but from what I have read, I am thinking Marek's. I also noticed spots on her comb. I have added some pictures. Any ideas?

Thanks for any help.

 

[purpletree23]

The missing feathers on the back of her neck? Is it from a rooster? Are the other chickens picking on her or is she molting. If there are feather quills coming in (looks like a porqupine) she is molting.

Get a warm, wet rag and try to clean her comb. What happens? Do the spots wash off? Is it dried blood or something permanent?

What happens when you try to position her bad leg in a forward position?

 

[Skittlez]

Quote:
She was part of my clutch, then I gave 4 of my group to a friend because his died and he wanted some more. 2 weeks ago he called me and said she was loosing her feathers and had a bum leg so I went and got her and brought her home. I have a huge hutch and put in a divider so the others would not pick on her, but could still chat with each other. Her feathers do look like quills and are growing back. She was using the leg at first, but gingerly. Two days ago she stopped using it and the foot curled. I brought her in the house and jumped online, and I am worried after reading about this Marek's disease. Her comb is not open sores or bloody, and the spots don't wash off. She was not eating well the past two days, but as soon as I set her up inside, she ate her crumbs well and her bread. She drank water well too. If I put her bad leg forward, she just rolls it back. She can't use the foot for support at all. Do you think I should splint it? She is so nice and docile and I really want to do right by her. She is missing feathers on her back and where her tail connects to her body. Her skin looks a little scalely and bumpy, but I thought it was from the missing feathers. Do you think it could be something else or just her being the bottom of the totem pole?

Thanks, Emma

 

[shay20]

ohhh poor baby, she looks beat up, her comb looks like she was plucked at alot, and where she was , maybe there was another not allowing her to eat, her legs look cuts are they?, useally mareks would make the one whole leg go to the front of the body and one back. from what i had read on it.

It looks more like she hasa sprain or something else going with her foot, keep from all others, and make her a mash to eat.
try scrambled eggs with yogurt.

put some clear non stinging iodine on all her cuts.

 

[Skittlez]

Quote:
Yeah, she was getting picked on. He had some batam leghorn mix that were really aggressive. The rings on her legs are not cuts, thank goodness. I was really disappointed in the way he kept his birds and I took her back after he called me. I don't think I will give him any more. Do you think the leg will ever work again? Is it ok for her to walk on her stump, because her toes don't work now? I have never had an injury like this, still new to the chicks.

Thank you for your help, Emma

 

[purpletree23]

I would try to splint it and give her lots of TLC. Just like shay20 said. Scrambled eggs, chopped greens, shelled sunflower seeds (shelled because she is weak) and scratch. That will help her put weight on. Make sure she has access at all times to grower or layer feed, water and don't forget the chicken grit.

I'm pretty sure she doesn't have Mareks, just a bad keeper for a while.

If you try to wash off her comb I'm sure it is blood and will come off.

Good luck. I'm glad she is back with you.

Shame on your friend.

 

[shay20]

Quote:
Yeah, she was getting picked on. He had some batam leghorn mix that were really aggressive. The rings on her legs are not cuts, thank goodness. I was really disappointed in the way he kept his birds and I took her back after he called me. I don't think I will give him any more. Do you think the leg will ever work again? Is it ok for her to walk on her stump, because her toes don't work now? I have never had an injury like this, still new to the chicks.

Thank you for your help, Emma

Her foot is not black so that means she still has blood lines and nerves active, so if you can try to splint it back to normal.

and if she does loose her foot she will be fine walking on the stump, My roo just lost his whole foot to frost bite and is doing great, he gets around normally.

oh yes shelled black oil sun flower seeds like purpletree23 said, that is a great weight gainer.
Good luck with her, keep us updated on how she is doing.

 

[Skittlez]

Thank you so much to everyone! I am attempting the splint today. I feel better knowing she is just needing some TLC which she will get LOTS of. My clutch is very small right now, just 4 hens and 1 roo. We will be adding in the spring. I have been feeding her layer feed, cracked corn, bread, grit and oyster shell. I am going to try the egg and yogurt today.

You guys ROCK!!!

 

[toejam]

Good luck!!

 

[Skittlez]

Well, I did the splint. I put 2 popsickle sticks on the leg, wrapped in fabic and the wrapped with an ace bandage and ran the bandage through the toes. It doesn't look very pretty, but she is actually standing up more and getting around better. Her foot still curles alittle, but she seems to appreciate the support of the wrap.

How often should I take off the wrap and redo, or should I just leave it on? How long should I keep the leg wrapped? I have not had to wrap a leg, boy what a challenge. I think I really need 4 hands instead of 2.

Thanks. Emma