Help - think we have a case of Mareks :-(

[OverWyreGrower]

Please help - I think one of my young hens has Marek's

Yesterday she was fine - in fact, although she is one of the youngest, she is the bossiest and naughtiest of all the birds... she will walk up and peck you if she wants something, or if you are in her way etc

She is a CL x Welsummer, May 2010 hatch (from a friend, not my own hatch), hasn't started laying yet.

She ran out with all the others this morning, but was quiet at lunchtime, but sat in the sun with the other hens.

I've gone down to give them their treat of corn; and she was sat under a bush, not moving (but looking alert).

She can't walk, although her legs and wings seem fine - she just sits down and refuses to move. She is very vocal about being picked up and examined.

I haven't got a vet near us that deals with poultry, and I'm completely skint for another 2 weeks.

It just seems like Marek's and I'm terrified that we'll have to cull her None of the other 13 hens/cockerels seem affected

Should I seperate her from the others, or has the damage already been done?

[lynda66]

have no idea what it is or how to help, but just wanted to send hugggggssssss and say hope she's ok xxxx

[binley100]

I have no idea either, have you tried goggling it for symptoms etc. ? Hope things turn out ok. <<<<<hugs>>>>>> xx

[Suechooks]

According to my book there is paralysis with one wing and one leg forward. Sorry you might not want to see the next bit - If it is Mareks it's very infectious and the virus can stay in the environment for up to a year. There doesn't seem to be any treatment other than vaccination and she recommends culling affected birds.
Are you sure she's not just coming into lay?

[RichmondHens]

She sounds just like one of my young hens that had similar symptoms at the beginning of the year - and it wasn't Marek's. We think she had been over trodden by an amorous cock who had injured her leg, but she was laying in the classic Marek's pose (a bit like a hurdler - one leg forward, one back) and couldn't get up but was trying to drag herself around. I called my vet for advice and he took a look and confirmed it wasn't Marek's (phew) and after resting in a cardboard box in our house for a couple of weeks she slowly got better and was back to normal within a month.

I think it is probably best to consult a vet to confirm it isn't Marek's, and put your mind at ease. I know vets are expensive but you risk losing your whole flock (and potentially infecting neighbours' hens) if it is Marek's and that may ultimately cost a whole lot more.

Fingers crossed for you (but my instinct is she will most likely be fine).

[its hilly]

Wouldn't know, but just in case isolate her, and keep a close eye on your others.
If it is Mareks then I don't think you can treat it? and its highly contagious (experts where are you) If no-one else falls ill then assume it's not.
I've heard that some birds going into lay can get similar symptoms, wouldn't swear but think it's caused by vitamin deficiency. And some of my growers went 'weak' at the start of that flippin microplasma outbreak, so don't panic yet.
If she's bright and alert then try adding vitamins to her water to see if it helps, and the usual tlc bit. Garlic , acv etc. She's almost the right age to be thinking of laying..so fingers crossed.

[its hilly]

RH you type faster than me..lol. Was thinking you'd have a fair idea.

[OverWyreGrower]

Thanks everyone...

Our girl is currently in a 'hospital box' in the garage, just in case...

She isn't showing a 'hurdler' position, though it does seem to be one side of her that's affected. She is just "sat up" on the floor, as if she is resting, rather than laying in an awkward pose.

She is an absolute nuisance to all the other birds (and me!), so it is indeed possible that one of the 2 cocks (or a highly annoyed chicken) has injured her.

I've spent all evening worrying about our other growers, however have just found out that they were vaccinated by their breeder, so hopefully they should be OK.

I think I have found a local-ish poultry vet (about an hours drive away) so I'll give them a call in the morning and try and take our poorly hen in.

If I do have some infected by Marek's, will the older birds get it too, or just my younger ones?

Again, thanks guys, was floundering in the dark for a bit there

[jessmorris]

Theres a poultry vet at Garstang...I'm not sure how near to you that is OWG.....Lanes Vets I think, I can look it up again if you need me to.
Good luck,
JM

[OverWyreGrower]

Oooh, thanks Jess!

That's much nearer to me than the one I'd originally found... will give them a call this morning!

(On a nicer note - I didn't realise how close to me you are - I work in Lancaster, and live just down the coast near Pilling)

[Nicos]

Hope it's something as simple as a strained leg muscle...good luck with herx

[RichmondHens]

Thanks everyone...



I think I have found a local-ish poultry vet (about an hours drive away) so I'll give them a call in the morning and try and take our poorly hen in.

If I do have some infected by Marek's, will the older birds get it too, or just my younger ones?

Again, thanks guys, was floundering in the dark for a bit there

Good luck with the vet OWG. Let us know how you get on.

I'm sure if it is Marek's you would notice some paralysis or stiffness, possibly the hen would have died by now so the fact she is still alive bodes well.

Older hens can get resistant to it over time, it is generally something that affects youngsters and POLs. Older birds can still however be carriers without symptoms so if it is Marek's you will need to ask the vet what he recommends you do with the rest of your stock. The vaccinated growers should be fine I think.

Good luck.

[jessmorris]

How nice OWG - a friendly chook neighbour!!

I looked up the vet - its Alan Pearson (Vice President of the British Vet Poultry Association) Green lane Vet Centre, Cabus, Garstang. 01995 603349.

We can't do much better than that!!

Good luck

JM

ps I live in the Lune Valley and work in Kendal! Small world!

[OverWyreGrower]

Poorly hen is slightly perkier this morning, and has poo-d hugely, and had some food and water, but seems content to sit in her box... I'm waiting for the poultry vet to call me back...

[RichmondHens]

Any news OWG?