Pullet with Marek's??

[FarmerJessie]

Hello everyone,

I was recently given 4 blue Marans by a friend. They are about 6 weeks old I believe. Last night, they were all fine. Today, I went out and one is laying on her side unable to stand. No signs of trauma. There were NO gradual signs of paralysis. She acts fine other than she can't stand up. Does this sound like Marek's Disease? If so, my older birds I have purchased from a hatchery and all have been vaccinated, BUT I have young birds I hatched from shipped eggs. Do I need to be panicking about this disease spreading??

Is there a place you can purchase this vaccine to give to chickens you hatch yourself?

I am really worried!!!

 

[FarmerJessie]

I wanted to correct some information. The pullet definitely seemed to have something neurological going on, but she was able to move her wings and legs. She was not coordinated enough to stand or walk. On close inspection, she did have a little blood on her tail feathers, but I could find no wounds. These pullets are kept next to some large Copper Black Marans. I don't know if one of them got a hold of her. I just don't know...it was a night and day difference! One minute she's fine and the next she can't stand up. Does it sound like Marek's?

 

[realsis]

First you can get the vaccine for home use from first state vet supply. It comes in a cooler kept cold the whole journey. Very nicely packaged with clear instructions. That's where I got my vaccine from and I highly recommend it. It never gets warm the whole trip. Second I would need more information to confirm Marek's disease
Can you post a picture? How do her legs look? Are they paralized? Are they in a non natural position? Are the toes curled? Its hard to say yes or no without more information. She could have a defiency of vitamins or sorts? How is her neck? Is there any tortocillosis? (Neck bending in strange position)? It will take more information. I know vitamin defiency can manifest into some strange symptoms
I have one of my own flock now that has a defiency and she has neurological symptoms can only walk backward and sits with her head between her legs. So try to rule out other things. However I've not seen your bird and it very well could be Marek's. If you can provide more information and perhaps a picture maybe we can be of more help. I wish you the best!

 

[FarmerJessie]

Realsis,

Her toes were in a curled position and her neck was being held in an somewhat awkward position. Her mental state was normal. These birds do not free range, but when I set her in the grass, she picked at it a little. I have since noticed one of the other pullets is acting lethargic and depressed. She does not appear to be having any issues with mobility at this point. These birds are currently on Purina medicated chick starter.

 

[seminolewind]

I agree with Realsis. Just rule things out for now, like put them on B vitamins. You say some may be acting depressed and lethargic, when that happens , I jump and treat them for coccidiosis.

Twincitiespoultrysupply may be quite a bit cheaper for the Marek's vaccine.

 

[FarmerJessie]

Thank you guys for helping to curb my panic! What do they use to treat for coccidiosis in chickens? Is this something I can get locally?