SICK CHICKEN: YELLOW COMB and PARALYZED LEGS

[lasasj]

It appears as though she has been eating and drinking a little bit. Hopefully she'll be a little better in the morning. Thank you everybody.

 

[Eggcessive]

The yellow comb looks to be frostbitten on the upper half. Her legs look like pictures I have seen of Mareks disease.

 

[Eggcessive]

You might want to have a look at the 18 pictures in the first link and read both links:
http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/avian-atlas/search/disease/502
http://extension.unh.edu/resources/files/Resource000791_Rep813.pdf

 

[lasasj]

Well that certainly puts us in a tough situation. I'm glad we separated her, but I'm still concerned about the other three that hatched in the coop. The other 20 birds should be fine, because I believe they were all vaccinated. I think we'll move the other three young ones to a new coop for a month or so. Thanks again.

 

[keesmom]

My first thought would be Marek's. It also looks like a cockerel to me.

 

[lasasj]

She may be a he... in fact she (or he) looks exactly like the father with respect to markings and coloring. We've been referring to her as a she until it was more clear, but since you've mentioned it on this forum I'll start calling him a he. Tony Jr. to be more specific

 

[lasasj]

There appears to be a slight improvement last I checked. Some small movement with one leg. Nothing close to what a normal chicken would do, but improvement from yesterday for sure. I know we're not out of the woods yet, but it might be light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks again everyone. I'll keep posting status updates to close out this thread.

 

[lasasj]

He appears to be doing well now. Standing up and moving around. Thanks everyone.

 

[Eggcessive]

That is great to hear. Sometimes paralysis in Mareks can be transient, and later on, other symptoms such as tumor formation may occur. I hope it isn't Mareks at all, but just wanted you to be aware and watch for any signs. Good luck.

 

[lasasj]

Thanks. I'll keep an eye out on him. It's nice to see him moving again. Such a character!