Pullets legs don't work

[CzyChikenMath]

I just got the report back Friday from the Ohio Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab on two 20 wk old pullets that confirmed Marek's. Just FYI, check with the lab before you send off your chicken. Some states require a vet to prescribe the lab work. I only found out that was the case for Ohio when I showed up at the lab with my chicken. Fortunately we straightened it out with my vet while I was there. The initial lab work took a week, and the state ordered additional tests based on what they found. The final results took over 3 weeks due to a test requiring the brain tissue to be frozen for awhile. All of the communication had to go through the vet, which added time to the equation. I understand why they do it, just added another layer. Ohio is gradually taking the over-the-counter meds out of feed stores and requiring vets to prescribe them and routing the labwork through them makes sense...also keeps the lab techs from dealing with the public on the diagnosis. Necropsy cost was about $100 per bird. Worth it to know.
FWIW, the 16 young birds all came from a NPIP breeder and were vaccinated. We had 6 older hens on the property we have had for a couple years. They were freebies from neighbors and friends-vaccination unkown. I don't worry about where the disease came from. With wild birds and wild turkeys roaming around and most of our neighbor's free ranging chickens, it was probably already on the premises. We don't free range, but do have a fenced 4000 sq ft yard for them. We are keeping a clean coop, run and yard, provide a good diet and try to keep the chickens in a stress free environment, all things rumored to help mitigate Marek's. We have also added some steps in our biosecurity. So far we have lost only 2 of our 22, and it has been a month since the last one died. Hopefully we'll keep it under wraps, but time will tell. Marek's has changed our goals for chicken keeping...we are basically reduced to raising a few layers for ourselves. I won't endanger other flocks by raising then selling, trading or giving away our stock. Good luck! Let us know what you find out.

I'm sorry to here but I'm glad you are keeping it under wraps. I'm still waiting for report, but I have no doubt... I've lost over 20 so far. no real warning. I've increased everything I can think of to keep there natural defenses strong. and yes I'm not selling..... I figured I'd cull about 1/2 flock but I don't know which ones will make it. A friend doesn't vaccinate either and none of the ones he gave me are sick. he "weeds" them out the first year (I don't agreed with his choice of words) - but any sickness he culls to have a naturally healthy flock. the ones from the nurseries... it's just spread, no pattern. I'm going to have a long few months. I wish I knew how long before they build immunities (I know they can still get sick and die anytime). I still have the winter coop to build and this is so sad