VERY SICK CHICKEN Please Respond ASAP

[Hunter44]

Hello,

I have four pet hens, and Yesterday I realized the smallest of the four was very ill. She is just about one year old, and although she is the smallest of the four, she is the most energetic. Two days ago I did not notice anything abnormal about the hens as I let them roam in my yard, but Yesterday when I let them out to roam I realized she was incredibly lethargic. She had what looked like white, watery stool leaking from underneath her tail feathers. She did not run off with the other chickens as she normally does, but instead stayed in one place. I picked her up to inspect her, but other than the white liquid I could not notice any other visible signs. I let her down and she could barely move. Today I returned to check on her and her legs are stretched out underneath her. She can barely move, has her feathers puffed out and she is shaking. I fear that she has very little time left, if any of you have an idea of what could be wrong please let me know as soon as possible! Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

 

[TheCrazyClucker]

I have no idea what may be wrong with her, sorry. But I hope she is fine!

 

[realsis]

What position are her legs? Are they stretched in a un natural position? Can you please post a picture of her? How old is she? Has she started laying yet? If you can post a picture I think I can be of more help. Are her legs stiff? Sticking straight out? Does she seem paralized?

 

[Hunter44]

Yes. Her legs are very stiff and stretched out as if she is paralyzed. I will post a picture as soon as possible. Do you have an idea of what could be wrong? It kills me to see her suffering like this.

 

[Hunter44]

And she is about one year old. I am almost certain she has started laying, although I am not entirely sure. Although they have four separate nest boxes, they do not always lay in the same boxes. I have been collecting eggs from them for months now, so they are laying.

 

[realsis]

Yes it sounds like Marek's disease. I'm very sorry.if you could get the picture posted I could confirm. But describing her legs in that manner does sound like Marek's. I'm so sorry
You might want to look up Marek's disease and see if she resembles the pictures to you. Not positive because I have not seen her but I think the symptoms sound similar. I do hope I'm wrong.

 

[Hunter44]

In the meantime I just have a few quick questions...what do you think could have caused the disease? Should I separate her from the other hens immediately? Do you think the other hens have contracted the disease. I know that you're not positive this is the case, but to play it safe I want to take all precautions possible. Also, should I beware of any negative health effects myself? Thank you for your help so far.

 

[Hunter44]

Here is a photo.

 

[realsis]

If it is Marek's disease that's a IF. Marked disease is a highly contagious airborne disease.it could have came in the air.it is such a rampid and prolific disease the stats say over 60% of in vaccinated birds will acquire Marek's. Equally as disturbing over 5% of vaccinated birds will get Marek's although vaccinated. It can not harm you. Yes separate her.if it is Marek's your other birds are already exposed. But it does NOT mean they will become ill. However it DOES mean your other birds are considered carriers and can infect other birds although not displaying any symptoms themselves. Many people here on this site are living with Marek's flocks. All you can do is move forward from here.your other birds may never even become sick. But if you plan on bringing new birds to your property they must be vaccinated and have had about two weeks to build immunity before exposure. Marek's is every where! Its nothing you did. Its spread through the air from dander. I hope this helps.let's hope its not Marek's. But if it is there is still life after mareks. Like I said it does not necessarily mean your other birds will become ill. They are just carriers. I hope I explained this clearly. I hope this is helpful. Best wishes

 

[Hunter44]

Unfortunately, I am almost positive it is Marek's. I have separated her, and I think it would be best if I just put her out of her suffering...seeing her shaking like this is heart breaking. I thank you very much for your quick and helpful responses. You were a great help.