Stumbling Roo w/ Video Link

[jbpatwood]

My sweet little rooster, Blu, began stumbling around two days ago. I thought maybe it was an injury sustained when he was playing outside with his friends. Now, I'm not so sure. He seems to be getting worse. It began with his left leg or hip, and then he began holding his wing out from his body. It seems as though he is dizzy, trying to stablize his body up against anything he possibly can. He was eating and drinking fine, but this evening when I went to feed him a tomato, he wasn't interested. He seems to be getting progressively worse, but I can't for the life of me figure out what is wrong with him. He is pooping normal as well...any ideas or suggestions? I love this little guy so much. I think he may be the sweetest roo I have ever had, but I don't want him to suffer, and I'm not sure where to even begin to look for treatment.

Here is the link to view him:

I should also mention that he is a 20 week old Blue Orpington.

Thanks!

 

[Jerseycoop]

I have no idea, but I hope someone an help you quickly. Heartbreaking to watch him like that. Good luck

 

[jbpatwood]

Thank you. It makes me so sad. I have put him in a crate for now to keep him from doing anymore damage. He seems to be resting quietly.

 

[ReikiStar]

Can't bring myself to watch the video but from reading your description that's exactly how a rescue hen with Mareks progressed.

How's his weight? With Marek's their weight drops rapidly. Did you bring any new birds in within the past month? Was there a really stressful event that your rooster endured as stress drops the immune system and opportunistic diseases get their chance.

I'm sorry you and your roo are going through this...I hope it's not Mareks.

 

[jbpatwood]

I brought him in to an existing flock-he and three others. Nobody else seems to be exhibiting symptoms. He was quarantined for about six weeks, and then brought into the coop three weeks ago. He is having a tough time because all of our existing hens really despise him. He will not defend himself. I think it would be best for me to remove him from the coop. What about the rest of the birds? My existing birds have been innoculated for Mareks, but the four that I brought in were bought privately.

 

[jbpatwood]

Also, I forgot to mention that I have not noticed that his weight has dropped.

 

[ReikiStar]

If its Mareks, I think the stress of being picked on is what weakened him. Chickens can develop immunity usually by the age of 6 months old. Birds that are inoculated either have full on immunity or they can catch it but won't necessarily succumb to it. They become carriers of the virus though and will continue to shed it. The Mareks virus is everywhere...pretty much in the environment. I'm think the new roo was too stressed and possibly got infected through the environment.

If the new birds are meshing with the flock then I'd leave them. Definitely remove the Roo for observation/treatment. You can do a search for treatments. The most promising one is using colloidal silver. I know there is a BYC thread about it.

Good luck!

 

[jbpatwood]

Thanks so much ReikiStar. I'll do a search on the colloidal silver. I did not realize there was any treatment for Mareks. I have a glimmer of hope at least I appreciate your responses.

 

[mrpekinduck]

Oh I'm so sorry I'm gonna cry

Thats the most horrible thing I have ever seen and he's so beautiful! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you and I hope he pulls through.

 

[Firearia]

You saw my thread, but I'd just like to help you out now. My boy started out exactly like this before plummeting to his symptoms now. Make sure he keeps eating and drinking, I'd isolate him aswell. The only thing my boy wanted to eat was just his regular food, be careful though. I had water set beside him and he'd stumble into it well trying to get there, soaking his feathers. I'm not quite sure what my roo has either, I'm going to our feed store tomorrow to pick up a couple things to try. I'll let you know for sure if anything works!