sudden limp for my roo (new video)

[kevinnini]

All of a sudden my 1 yo roo has started to limp really badly..almost like he can't put any weight on his right foot.

Any ideas?

Thanks, Kevin

 

[ochochicas]

Check out the Marek's thread.

 

[kevinnini]

This just started...he's 13-14 months old. Do you think this is Merek's?

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/78pppvu9wi56guk/AACjGTSZowTJnm7UWqSAyBuFa

 

[ochochicas]

Yes, it does look to me like it could be the start of Marek's. If it gets worse, or if you notice his wing start to droop, I would say marek's is likely. Vitamin deficiency can also cause limping. You can try giving him B complex along with Selenium. Hopefully it is not Marek's, but it is best to keep a close eye on him.

He is gorgeous by the way.

 

[kevinnini]

Ok so my boy has been limping for 3 weeks...still alive and crowing. how long does it take to die from Marek's

 

[ochochicas]

I've had chickens die in one day. Usually my roosters go down very quickly. I have had some hens that lasted 2 months more. I cull them usually since I know they won't improve and they are spreading the virus to everyone else. There is a video on youtube of someone with a rooster that had Marek's. The rooster was treated with anti-viral drugs and lived for 6 months (from what I can remember).

Are any of your other chickens sick? Sorry your boy hasn't started feeling better. Is he getting any better or worse?

 

[circesfire]

Have you given him a good exam and felt along the full length of his leg for any swelling or breaks?

 

[kevinnini]

No but that's a good idea. I was just going to let nature take it's course...I was wondering ...if it is Marek's...would he have died by now?

 

[kevinnini]

He is no better or worse...just stable for a couple of weeks. I didn't examine him yet...

 

[ochochicas]

Marek's is a strange disease. It can manifest itself in many forms. Some chickens will die within a week. Others can hold on for several months. My first Marek's chicken started to limp in November and didn't die until February. Unfortunately she spread the disease to all my other pullets and cockerels during this time so I lost nearly all of them. You can take your rooster to the state lab for testing if you want to know for sure what you are dealing with.