Unsteady and limping chickens, loosing control of legs.

[vbeale]

 

[alaskanchickens]

Looks like his back is arched and he's leaning to his right(?) trying to compensate for the weak leg. It really could be so many things! I have read numerous articles on what can cause paralysis and it could be a protein or vitamin deficiency, botulism or mareks. You said they free range, do you supplement any feed for them? He's very pretty! looks part Marans? I would keep him away from the others like you did with your hen and keep an eye on him, see if he stops walking, cant stand, stops eating/drinking and watch for any more that show signs. I really hope for their sakes that it's not Mareks!

 

[vbeale]

We feed them pek n lay and they get an array of veggies and things from our patch. I have no clue on the breed as ours were a mix to start with and no two are the same with the chicks. There is a farm nearby that recently put in a bird scarer to stop ducks going near an effluent pond that was causing avian botulism. My land borders onto a stream and the chickens always wander around down there. I've not seen any ducks on our land but there is a chance they have got contaminated and bought it over.

 

[alaskanchickens]

Honestly, I would just wait it out. If he starts doing better and non of the others seem sick then great! If for some reason he doesn't make it you can take him for a necropsy to find out what went wrong with him. Hopefully it isn't anything viral and just blows over. I wish you luck!

 

[vbeale]

Thank you so much for your help. I think waiting it out is all I can do. Even if I spend a fortune at the vets to find out it is mareks I can't do anything about it any way. Fingers crossed the others stay healthy. I had 4 chicks taken by a hawk yesterday then this today. Not having a good week with the chooks!!! Just hope the remaining 16 don't get ill.

 

[alaskanchickens]

Well I'm keeping my fingers crossed for ya! Keep me posted on how things turn out!

 

[Nambroth]

This could be Marek's, or it could be something else. If you are concerned it's Marek's (and it does sound like it, but this is not a diagnosis!) then it will be worth your time to learn more about the disease, so that you can manage it in your chickens... now, and in the future, armed with information: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq

As for things that can look like Marek's, here's a few (taken from the FAQ):

Lymphomas are often caused by Marek's disease, but may also be caused by Avian Lymphoid Leukosis: http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/poultry/neoplasms/lymphoid_leukosis_in_poultry.html
Heavy Metal Toxicity in chickens (and other fowl, such as ducks) can look very similar to Marek's paralysis. Lead toxicity seems to be the most common for birds like chickens, that unlike other pet birds such as parrots, generally do not chew on metal objects but may swallow small metallic objects whole. Lead shot, BBs, pellets, (etc) are often mistaken for stones and ingested to aid the bird in digestion. A single BB or piece of lead shot is enough to cause serious illness in a large fowl chicken, or even eating old lead paint flakes, or finding them in the soil is enough to harm a chicken-sized bird. Heavy metal toxicity is one of the leading medical problems that vets and wildlife rehabilitators see in ground dwelling birds such as chickens, ducks, and geese, so it can be somewhat common. Symptoms include neurological issues such as partial or total paralysis of one or both legs and sometimes the wings. With lead toxicity, lesions of the nervous system and elevated white blood counts can also mimic Marek's infection. X-rays and/or blood tests might be necessary to diagnose this problem. Treatment generally involves injections of a chelating agent such as Calsenate. Large metal objects may need to be surgically removed. This problem is very hard to diagnose without veterinary help. For more reading: http://www.birdclinic.net/avian1.htm http://www.avianweb.com/heavymetalpoisoningbirds.html
Botulism in fowl can also mimic the symptoms of Marek's, in that it often causes neurological distress and paralysis. Often birds with botulism will present leg weakness, and neck weakness or paralysis. This can come on quite suddenly or gradually, depending on how much of the Botulism toxin has been consumed by the bird. Botulism is caused by the consumption of the toxin, either from decaying material (usually decaying carcasses) or eating an abundance of invertebrates that have been infected with the Botulsim toxin (such as maggots that have been feeding on decaying material). Generally, if a bird survives more than 48 hours, it will recover, so if Botulism is suspected in birds with sudden paralysis, immediate treatment is necessary. For more reading on Botulism consult the following: http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/poultry/botulism/overview_of_botulism_in_poultry.html and http://www.avianweb.com/botulism.html
Other toxins produced by molds may have degenerative effect on the nervous system of birds, causing signs similar to Marek's such as weakness, paralysis, or spasms, so it is very important to investigate feed, both bagged and in the bird's environment, to make sure it is fresh and free of mold.
Injury to the body, and especially to the head, can cause paralysis-like symptoms that look similar to Marek's. It is important to carefully check for hidden injuries, gently palpate bones for breakage, and observe your bird carefully to determine if injury is a factor. Injuries may be internal and not visible via simple physical exam. Head injuries can cause paralysis or weakness, and loss of motor control. Breeds with vaulted skulls (such as Silkies) are especially prone to brain damage, and can sustain brain injury and swelling that can create physical disability.
Bumblefoot and other leg and foot issues can cause chickens to limp and favor their feet and legs. Carefully investigate for bumblefoot, and consider leg sprains and other injury when assessing your bird.

 

[vbeale]

Very interesting and helpful! Thanks very much!

 

[RissyMcD]

Did he make it? Just curious.

 

[Frankies Mom]

I am having a similar problem. I know I am going to sound extremely ignorant as I am a VERY new chicken owner, but I really need help. First of all, I don't know whether 4 of my 12 birds are hens or roosters. They are now 10 weeks old, all muts, and I keep going back and forth. Yesterday, one chicken, who doesn't have much of a social role in the group, got up limping. His left leg seemed to be "asleep" looked like he had "pins-n-needles". I picked him/her up and examined her physically with no signs of swelling, sores, or injury of any kind. He/she ate and drank normally (maybe a little more aggressively than normal from my hand), and as the day went on, I noticed improvement. I researched about an hour and saw that "wait and watch" was the best thing to do. I checked the coop for poop anomalies and found 1 bloody stool. It was only one and it's not alarming according to a "poop chart" I used.
This particular chicken doesn't really "like" to be held, so when I tried to pick her/him up again later for a check and she/he ran away twice, I believed it to be a fluke and that maybe her leg was just "asleep"
This afternoon, I went out to let them "free range" for the afternoon (they only can range supervised), and the runt, who is by FAR the most aggressive and even fights, came out limping. His left leg was completely useless. It would barely keep him balanced and looked limp and lifeless (the leg).
I feel like I have made a huge mistake taking on these sweet babies without knowing anything about the care for them. I feel like a horrible Mommy and I just want to cry. I spend so much time reading these threads and researching and I still feel like I know nothing.
This particular baby is the meanest one of the bunch. He/she absolutely HATES to be held. I spent quite a bit of time with him a couple of weeks ago to tame his aggressive mean streak and he didn't like any of it one bit. He either calmed down, or realized he better only be ugly when no humans are around (not often). Now that I have him being sweet to the flock, this happens. Normally, he would do anything he could to get away from me. Now, he is sitting on my lap by choice and singing to me when he wants to be hand fed and syringe watered...lol.
I know wait and watch is the prognosis, but OMG, I am really afraid right now.
I will post some pics shortly!
Thanks in advance for any help and sorry for the long winded request!