- May 21, 2017
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Popcorn is a 3 year old mixed breed (serama/d’uccle) hen.
About a week and a half ago, I noticed Popcorn was a little skinnier and was standing still a bit more than usual. I didn’t think it was too weird, seeing as she was molting. I also suspected mites, since there’s a lot of house sparrows in my yard and the sparrows definitely have mites. I went on a short trip, planning to treat Popcorn for mites once I returned. However, I now know this isn’t due to mites.
Popcorn is noticeably skinnier than she was even two weeks ago, despite the fact that her crop is full and they have food available (she’s also the top hen, and still is, so isn’t being bullied away from food). Her comb is pale and shriveled, her face is pale, and she is having balance issues. She’s limping, though there’s nothing wrong with her leg or foot, and she’s breathing heavily (though not with her beak open). She seems to be unable to fly well, or really doesn’t want to fly, as I can place her on my hand (she lays down) and move, and she will stay put (previously she would’ve tried to fly away). She seems hungry, though a bit reluctant to eat her crumbles, I suppose because her crop is full. She’s still drinking, and I am not sure if she has been able to get water, so she may be dehydrated.
Popcorn’s symptoms are almost identical to the symptoms her brother had before he died of suspected Marek’s. About a year and a half ago, her brother, Cheeto, started to struggle to keep his balance while walking and standing. Gradually, he became fully paralyzed and wasted away, then he had a seizure(?) and died. Here’s the thread about him: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/rooster-losing-balance.1332429/.
Ever since Cheeto’s death, I’ve highly suspected I have Marek’s in my flock. If not Marek’s, I’m sure it’s some other very similar disease that spreads quickly, stays with a chicken for life, causes paralysis, is often fatal, and doesn’t have a cure. Over the years, I’ve had many “unknown” sudden deaths, where chickens would get weak and pale and die soon after or die with no symptoms at all. I’ve also had an instance where a cockerel, upon being introduced to my flock, developed a limp for no discernible reason and then recovered, as can happen with Marek’s.
I know that Hypericum, vitamin B, cranberry, and acyclovir can all prevent symptoms/help symptoms from getting worse. I know they are no guarantee, and even if Popcorn recovers, she will eventually relapse. However, I am willing to try, as Popcorn is a pet. If she becomes paralyzed and/or is bullied by her flock mates, I am even willing to make her a house chicken for as long as she has left. Though if Popcorn starts to suffer, I will either find someone who can euthanize her, or will take her to a vet to do it. I know Cheeto suffered near the end, and I do not want Popcorn to suffer, even though it will be hard decision. And I know that choice may come sooner rather than later.
I started this thread to ask if anyone has any suggestions on how I could make Popcorn more comfortable and possibly slow the progression of her symptoms. I also wanted to document this, since it may be helpful for others.
Pictures and videos:
(The red on her foot is juice from a plum, not blood.)
(You can see her breathing in this video.)
About a week and a half ago, I noticed Popcorn was a little skinnier and was standing still a bit more than usual. I didn’t think it was too weird, seeing as she was molting. I also suspected mites, since there’s a lot of house sparrows in my yard and the sparrows definitely have mites. I went on a short trip, planning to treat Popcorn for mites once I returned. However, I now know this isn’t due to mites.
Popcorn is noticeably skinnier than she was even two weeks ago, despite the fact that her crop is full and they have food available (she’s also the top hen, and still is, so isn’t being bullied away from food). Her comb is pale and shriveled, her face is pale, and she is having balance issues. She’s limping, though there’s nothing wrong with her leg or foot, and she’s breathing heavily (though not with her beak open). She seems to be unable to fly well, or really doesn’t want to fly, as I can place her on my hand (she lays down) and move, and she will stay put (previously she would’ve tried to fly away). She seems hungry, though a bit reluctant to eat her crumbles, I suppose because her crop is full. She’s still drinking, and I am not sure if she has been able to get water, so she may be dehydrated.
Popcorn’s symptoms are almost identical to the symptoms her brother had before he died of suspected Marek’s. About a year and a half ago, her brother, Cheeto, started to struggle to keep his balance while walking and standing. Gradually, he became fully paralyzed and wasted away, then he had a seizure(?) and died. Here’s the thread about him: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/rooster-losing-balance.1332429/.
Ever since Cheeto’s death, I’ve highly suspected I have Marek’s in my flock. If not Marek’s, I’m sure it’s some other very similar disease that spreads quickly, stays with a chicken for life, causes paralysis, is often fatal, and doesn’t have a cure. Over the years, I’ve had many “unknown” sudden deaths, where chickens would get weak and pale and die soon after or die with no symptoms at all. I’ve also had an instance where a cockerel, upon being introduced to my flock, developed a limp for no discernible reason and then recovered, as can happen with Marek’s.
I know that Hypericum, vitamin B, cranberry, and acyclovir can all prevent symptoms/help symptoms from getting worse. I know they are no guarantee, and even if Popcorn recovers, she will eventually relapse. However, I am willing to try, as Popcorn is a pet. If she becomes paralyzed and/or is bullied by her flock mates, I am even willing to make her a house chicken for as long as she has left. Though if Popcorn starts to suffer, I will either find someone who can euthanize her, or will take her to a vet to do it. I know Cheeto suffered near the end, and I do not want Popcorn to suffer, even though it will be hard decision. And I know that choice may come sooner rather than later.
I started this thread to ask if anyone has any suggestions on how I could make Popcorn more comfortable and possibly slow the progression of her symptoms. I also wanted to document this, since it may be helpful for others.
Pictures and videos:
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