would like more info on mareks or why roo doesn't stand

[hereachick]

I have a roo a 4 mo old mille fleur,he was doing great and then one day just started hiding from the other chickens.So I brought him inside so I could watch him he wasn't active no crowing -just kinda crouched on the floor of the cage.when I'd stand him up he'd fall foward onto his beak.I thought maybe he slipped and hurt his foot or a wing.but, no sign of that.( It's been about a wk now)
No nasal discharge,eyes,beak,tongue,feathers,wings,toes, crop, poop,appetite all seem fine but, No Shaking or nervous twitching, seems to be very alert,still he doesn't stand.Now he stretches his legs backwards so they are streched behind him as far as they can go when I try to stand himinsted!
I've tried giving him applesauce mixed with plain yogurt,honey,dry catfood and crumble he loves this and eats it up fine trouble is I have to support him most times or he falls face first into the bowl.Also have given mineral water,Tried baytril, wormer, and an anti-inflamatory none seem to help.
Does anyone know what mareks presents as I have read gail Damerow's chicken handbook and have seen what it says for mareks but, it doesn't quite fit.Also tried looking on line but, none of what they say seems to fit this case.Has anyone had a chicken with mareks? Is this definatly Mareks? Or is it something else? Also if it is Mareks what do I do? How would I put it down if it comes to that don't want an expensive vet bill. Have many questions.Thanks for any help

 

[tiki244]

I think I already answered you the other day. It doesnt seem like the disease ever manifests itself exactly like the textbook cases. It would be so much easier than. You really would not be sure if it was Mareks until you got an autopsy on him. If it is mareks, you can try to keep him alive by hand feeding him and hand watering him. He may recover and he may not. It would probably be a couple of weeks. If you have a bunch of other chickens, and this little guy recovers, he can infect any or all of these other chickens. And any future chicks also.

I have tried various methods of euthanasia with out going to the vet and I have settled with the chop the head off with an axe method. It is very quick. I always hold them close and keep them very calm before I do it, and talk to them, and dont let any of the others see it. Afterwards I hold the body tight because I cannot stand to see it move. And I dont look in their eyes.

Good luck with your decision. It is a tuff one. And those little guys are so sweet.




eta: there is a sticky at the top of this page that has some info on mareks.

O after Dianas post I looked up it could also be a vitamin deficiency, botulism, lack of sufficient water

 

[dlhunicorn]

what have you been feeding this bird?

 

[hereachick]

thanks tiki244, I am considering mareks but, have also been thumbing thru my chicken health handbook for other alternatives.I want to be sure that it couldn't be something other than mareks.It seems so cruel to just end a life like that altho I realize the end result will save the rest of the flock.I guess I'm kinda hoping if it's something awful like mareks that, the chicken will just pass on it's own.
According to the handbook altho it's a long shot it looks like it could also be algae poisioning or a slight botulism? I think I might exhaust these cures before ending things.The handbook says electrolytes,quiet, and a flush twice a day with epsom salt solution 2 x's a day. I've already started with the quiet and mineral/electrolytes so maybe it's already helping? I'm alittle confused tho it sounds like a lot of solution to give the bird -1/2 cup water 2 x's daily for 2-3 days or until it gets better.But, I suppose where it's suppose to be a laxative it needs to be alot of fluid? worth a shot anyhow death or a laxative I'll try the laxative first can't hurt if the alternative is death anyhow.
As for what I feed layer pellets,lettuce,tomatoes, some weeds.
Since it's been sick applesauce mixed with plain yogurt,dry catfood,starter crumble,oats,and alittle honey with vitamin water to drink.
Altho I wash the water bowls daily and then once a week with clorox, I did notice a slight green ring around the rim the other day possibly from all the rain we've been having lately.I think I will also try the baking soda trick in the water to prevent future algae growth. Wish me luck otherwise I'll have to try the alternative and I'm not sure I can do that.Thanks

 

[tiki244]

Sounds like that is a wise choice. Who knows what they eat sometimes? With mold it could be just a little bit to cause problems. As an afterthought, I wish I woould have tried that flush with my little silkie, but . I did what I thought was right at the time. Diana would know better than me what vitamins to give.

I know someone who had mareks hit their flock( about 200 birds) this year and the Milles were practically completely wiped out, where as some of the other breeds seemed more naturally resistant.

 

[dlhunicorn]

You should not be feeding a roo layer pellets...There are many causes of (temporary) paralysis for instance one of the more uncommon but still occasionally problematic ones is ticks:
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/152/ticks

Mycotoxin or moldy feed grains can also cause this.

for the time being I would separate him to a clean area (avoiding straw if you have been using that as bedding ) and cut out all treats (including the weeds...some weeds are toxic) and offer a non-layer feed (so one which does not have the high calcium in it which should only be given to birds which are laying). Make sure he is able to reach the water and feed ... if he has been panting or if you feel he has been drinking insufficiently then electrolytes is what he needs and not a molasses or epsom solution.
As to those two solutions... here is the source info for that info (please note it says not to give the epsom for more than one day).
http://www.msstate.edu/dept/poultry/extsoln.htm
(scroll down to the section> LAXATIVE SOLUTIONS)
re Botulism >will often present with drooling and an inability (often temporary) to swallow and limber neck (so the head hanging down)...if he does not show any one or combo of these signs then it is probably not botulism.

 

[hereachick]

thanks dlhunicorn,I'll try that.wish I could figure out what it is.I hate not knowing.I realize in the chicken world there is a lot that happens just because and your just suppose to except it but I still like to know.
I checked out your site very nice I'm going to add it to my favorites to look but at sometimes.Lots and lots of info