Sad looking Rooster (Transylvania cross)

[JonInHungary]

I have a rooster (Transylvanian mix) around 1 years old. Has been healthy till 2 days ago. Now he is not moving much, his wings are down and he is hunched up a lot, often when I check on him he is on his side lying down. No other birds are affected. He has not lost weight, his eyes are orange - I thought it may be Marek's disease but, I don't think so, no sign of broken bones or trauma. He will eat if I put food next to him but he is very slow. No other chickens affected (30), All chickens are free range (15 acres) but I also give them corn and sunflower seeds. His poo looks normal. The coop is large and home to 30 other chickens - Wood walls and hay floor. The recent weather has been mild 12'c/50f. Any ideas?

 

[Eggcessive]

Mareks does come to mind in a young rooster who has drooping wings, and is found lying on his side. Can he stand or move his legs when you pick him up? What are his poops like? Have you added any new birds in recent months, or do you have another rooster who is not letting him eat or drink? I would start some human vitamin E400 IU and super B complex vitamins 1/2 tablet daily added to a small amount of egg or tuna, and feed some wet chicken feed. Has he been getting a balanced all flock or layer feed? Corn and sunflower seed is lacking in nutrients, vitamins and protein.

 

[JonInHungary]

Mareks does come to mind in a young rooster who has drooping wings, and is found lying on his side. Can he stand or move his legs when you pick him up? What are his poops like? Have you added any new birds in recent months, or do you have another rooster who is not letting him eat or drink? I would start some human vitamin E400 IU and super B complex vitamins 1/2 tablet daily added to a small amount of egg or tuna, and feed some wet chicken feed. Has he been getting a balanced all flock or layer feed? Corn and sunflower seed is lacking in nutrients, vitamins and protein.

Thanks for the fast response.
He can stand but doesn't really move (Like a Zombie). Walking is slow but seems coordinated. His poo looks okay. I have no added any new birds for many months and all chickens are from the hens and I incubate these, so I dont see how any disease has come into the flock. He is free range but I also supplement with the corn and sunflower. I will give him some vitamins in his water and egg/tuna to his feed - and see how he gets on. I will update any progress.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Do you not provide any commercial pellets or crumbles?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

What color are his poo? Can you post a picture of his poo please?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would offer him a balanced chicken feed, either flock raiser or a layer feed. Layer feed is not best, but I have used it with my rooster in a layer flock. Corn is very low in protein and not a balanced diet, kind of like feeding kids candy. Sunflower seed is okay for a small treat.

 

[JonInHungary]

Just to let you know Junior passed away - He gave up eating and drinking. I'm monitoring the rest of the chickens but, all appears to be ok. So my be some genetic defect rather than a disease.

 

[LaFleche]

Thank xou fir the update. I am sorry he did not recover.

In your picture above he appears to have injuries to his comb and wattles. Did you see him fight with any of your other roosters?

 

[AinaWGSD]

I'm sorry you lost him, he was a handsome lad. If you haven't disposed of the body yet it may be worth keeping it in a fridge or cooler (NOT frozen) and contacting a vet or agricultural extension department to inquire about a necropsy. Genetic defects usually don't pop up suddenly like that and if it was disease it could be a concern for the rest of your flock. Mereck's is spread through inhalation of infected feather dander and can be carried and spread by wild birds.

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. It would be good to have your state vet lab perform a necropsy today on his body (keep it cold) and test for Mareks disease. Here is a list of state vets:
https://www.metzerfarms.com/poultry...7IOlHOhP-eD8qMtZ70RNq6BMO9kVUn3x6so7q0Z_JgEr8