Possible Mereks

[mccashfamrs]

We have an 11 week old bantam chick that was hatched here on our farm. I went to feed and gather eggs and noticed she wouldn't get up. She ended up dragging/hopping/using her wings to help get to the water dish. That was 3 maybe 4 days ago. Yesterday we brought her inside and placed her into a small tub to contain and monitor her eating/drinking. Both of which seem fine. Her toes are curled, both legs seem paralyzed. But at times she is able to get them both under her and stand herself up. She has some slight tremors/shaking from time to time. Her poop is normal shape/size/color/smell

I've looked at links on Mareks and while it does seem to be it, the vitamin deficenty (riboflavin) seems to be very similar. I was going to order vitamins but the links I read said at this stage it may be too late.

My question is, if this is Mareks, when should I expect a decline in the rest of the flock? This bantam has 3 other siblings that appear healthy and strong, as does the mother and the rest of the flock, all of whom share the same house and are free range.

We have 2 other bantams, 7 laying hends, and 1 16-18 week old aracauna (sp) rooster.

All of our birds get cracked corn - and being free range, eat whatever they find, in addition to food scraps.

Suggestions, tips, success stories?

Really hoping this isn't Mareks. Both of our parents have flocks - as does my sister in law. Seems like such a horrible thing to try to deal with.

 

[GitaBooks]

I'm sorry to hear that.


Yeah, it does sound like marek's. You can try the vitamins, just to be sure. I had one pullet that suffered the same symptoms as yours. We had to put her down. However, it has been weeks since then and the rest of the flock (including her siblings) are all strong and doing well.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/741957/not-an-emergency-mareks-in-the-flock

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