Very sick pullet, need some help

[MelissaRose]

Do you have the money and permission to get a necropsy?
If so call first thing in the morning and as the state lab if you should dig her up.

I have the money and I think I can send her in.

Just go dig her up and put her in the fridge now.
If you find out you can't send her then you can rebury her.

Ok.

You can rinse her body with water (even soapy water) before wrapping her in a garbage bag. Most poultry vet pathologists wet the feathers before a necropsy anyway. If you and your parents decide not to get the necropsy, you could still do one yourself at home to look at the organs. That teaches a lot of us what was going on with our sick chickens. Take pictures of her organs and post here if you do that. Mareks disease may leave telltale tiny tumors on organs, and sometimes when there is weakness of a leg, the sciatic nerves may be enlarged.

OK. I can go dig her up and rinse her.

This necropsy video may be helpful to identify organs if you would chose to do a home necropsy:

Thank you.

When you get some time, here are some articles to read about Mareks disease to help you:
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/_docs/programs/poultry/FS-1007 Recognizing and Preventing Mareks Disease in Small Flocks.pdf

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq.66077/

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/poultry/neoplasms/marek-disease-in-poultry

Thanks so much.
Thank you both for being so helpful.

 

[lenadriver]

There are many things that look like Mareks. I completely agree with having the vet do a necropsy. Some where on here is a post about things that look like Mareks, which is great. This article is also helpful but I think thread is better. i'm really sorry you lost your girl, even though it was ages ago, now.
https://www.msdvetmanual.com/poultr...ement-poultry/vitamin-deficiencies-in-poultry

 

[Eggcessive]

When you call the state vet in Orono or Augusta, be sure and stress that it is for a backyard chicken, before getting the price. New Hampshire is inexpensive I believe, but Maine might be a lot more. Each state makes their own rules and prices. Shipping will add to the cost, and some states with email a shipping label to save some money, since bodies must be shipped overnight by Fedex or UPS. Sorry for so many details, but it can be complicated.

 

[MelissaRose]

When you call the state vet in Orono or Augusta, be sure and stress that it is for a backyard chicken, before getting the price. New Hampshire is inexpensive I believe, but Maine might be a lot more. Each state makes their own rules and prices. Shipping will add to the cost, and some states with email a shipping label to save some money, since bodies must be shipped overnight by Fedex or UPS. Sorry for so many details, but it can be complicated.

ok, thanks.

 

[MelissaRose]

my dad was saying she may have started to cook so should I still dig her up? he wont help me dig her up or clean her. Should I still do it?

 

[Eggcessive]

No, I would let it go. But if you lose the other sick chicken, ask about that one. It is always good to call and ask about prices in case you want a necropsy in the future.

 

[Kiki]

I agree...don't dig her up but if your rooster passes you are now prepared.

 

[MelissaRose]

Ok, thanks. I'll leave her.

 

[DiYMama540]

Great thread, I learned a lot too! Sorry again about your hen. Just keep a close eye on everyone else and give them extra loves!