Why would a seemily healthy pullet get sick so fast!

[chickflick]

I have a 4 month old red sex link that was healthy a few days ago. Then about 4 days ago I noticed her limping. Checked her out and didn't see any injury and just assumed she hurt it jumping up on the saw horse. Let her sleep in the corner of the coop so she wouldn't have to jump down. She was out limping, but still getting around. Yesterday, she didn't come out of the coop. Picked her up and she wasn't using her right leg at all. Put her in the hospital in the garage and now today, she isn't using either leg and has labored breathing. What can it be??

 

[HennyPennies2007]

Chickflick..had to pm ya and let ya know I feel your pain. Just culled mine...Life sucks sometimes...Hope you are having better luck....I tried everything.... Thought it was cocci, botulism, Marek's...I finally couldn't take watching her suffer any more while I guinea pigged....Hang in there....

Hennies

 

[hinkjc]

My guess would be botulism, mareks, lymphoid leukosis. Start researching those and see if anything else matches the symptoms she has. Botulism will take them quickly - labored breathing followed by complete paralysis (laying on side).

 

[chickflick]

Thanks, HP. Reba died during the night. Think it was Marek's but don't know for sure. It's hard when they are our pets... we get so attached.
It sure is discouraging when you reach out out for help and no one answers. Guess they were too busy playing their games or chatting to bother to help.
I appreciate you replying.

 

[hinkjc]

chickflick, I'm so sorry you lost her.

I would bet with how fast she went it was botulism. Please do a search of everywhere your chickens are or have access to for anything mouldy or decaying. Look for spilled water, foodstuff, etc. A toxin could also cause the same symptoms, so any chance of poison? Just something else to look for or consider. Again, I'm so sorry.

 

[chickflick]

Thanks, hinkjc.

 

[Wynette]

Awe, Rose...I'm so sorry!

Just saw your post. I odn't know as there was anything you could have done for her, and I'm sure she lived a wonderful life with you as her chicken momma!

 

[chickflick]

Thanks Wynette. It's just so frustrating to see a young healthy chicken die like that. But, she did have a good, spoiled life, as short as it was.