Hello, I'm in need of urgent advice, we are first time chicken owners and have only had them for 3 week. We have got two sablepoot bantams one around 14 weeks and one around 12 week. A couple of days ago I went to let them out the house and the younger one was struggling to stand. She semt to be picking one leg up higher than the other and then putting it back down awkwardly. After speaking to the breeder she said it sounded like mareks and to isolate her on her own which I have done. She has been standing up in her box still picking one leg up but she has been stretching both legs out one at a time as normal along with her wings also scratching her head with both feet individually so she seems to still have full use of her legs etc. The issue I have got is that when I get her out of her box so she can have a walk round she falls forward with both her legs out behind her and she pants very heavily. She struggles about on the floor and cannot get up. When i have picked her up to put her back in the box she seems very hot. I really don't know what is wrong with her or what to do. Can anyone give me any advice??? Many thanks
Welcome to BYC. It does sound possible that your chicken may have Mareks, but it could also be another neurological condition or even a vitamin deficiency. I would start her on poultry vitamins right away just in case and then I would do some reading. There is a very good ongoing thread here where other BYCers with Mareks in their flocks can answer questions: https://www.backyardchickens.com/newsearch?search=not+an+emergency,+mareks+in+the+flock Also here are 2 good links to read about Mareks: http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/avian-atlas/search/disease/502 http://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000791_Rep813.pdf
X2 If she has Marek's, there isn't much you can do. Marek's can't usually be treated. However, there are some things that have been used to at least try to treat Mareks. Turmeric, St. Johns Wart, and coconut oil are all things that could help treat Marek's, or at least alleviate some of the symptoms. If you really want these birds to live, it wouldn't hurt to try these things. Here is a link to using St. Johns Wart to treat Mareks: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/135247/st-johns-wort And, here is a great thread to read on Marek's Disease: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq Good luck with your birds!
Thank you for the advice it is appreciated, I will have a look at the links suggested. It's safe to say I have got a lot to learn about chickens. Thanks Becky
Hello, Just an update for you, my chicken is still alive, she has had a weeks worth of antibiotics and has started to stand again all be it she still wobbles over sometimes and takes 5 minutes to get up. The vet has said she has got good strength in both her legs so doesn't think it is Mareks. Sometimes when she is lay with her legs underneath her it is though her legs are on springs waiting to pop out behind her which they do occasionally which puzzles me. She has also been sneezing and when she drinks a lot of water she stamps her feet really fast under her and a little bit of water comes trickling out her mouth, again very puzzling. If anyone may know what any of this means I would be greatful to hear from you. Apart from that she is growing well and eating and drinking fine. .
