Rooster Cant Walk

[Eggcessive]

I would consult with your state vet next week, and find out how much the necropsy would be on a backyard chicken. It may cost less in your state as it does here in OH. They can usually see signs of Mareks, and tell you that it is likely Mareks, but a Mareks test costs extra and takes longer since most send it off to a special lab. A couple of those labs will send you materials to do the testing yourself for under $50. Those include this one, and you have to collect blood for a sample as directed usually from a trimmed toenail:
https://www.vetdna.com/application/forms/aviansubmittalform.pdf This helps you to know if Mareks is asctually a problem or not.

 

[JelloDonut]

I know its a while later but update that I had him put down at the vet back in December, it broke my heart and I wish there was more I could have done, but he wasnt willing to even try to walk and I had to worry about him trying to walk and not being able to get back to his food and water. Hed also just cry sometimes, so Id just hold him and try to comfort him. Id come home to him having spilled his water and him on his side across the cage away from his food multiple times, it was just a poor life for him and I couldnt be there all the time to make sure he could eat and drink. If he had shown signs of being able to walk at all, I would have done therapy with him, but he had lost so much muscle, and wasnt even trying to use his legs. The vet agreed with me we did all we could and this was the best choice for him. I still miss him and cry about him sometimes. I know not everyone is, but I'm perfectly okay not having answers as to what happened and I just want to bury him in one piece when the ground thaws. However, all three of my chickens I still have are perfectly healthy. My oldest hens even laying eggs again while she wasnt for a long time. Ive treated them all for parasites and theyre doing well right now. If I remember and if its not to late, ill look into the toenail thing for an answer there.