12 weeks old Maran having trouble with his legs

marika_ouellet

Hatching
May 6, 2022
5
0
7
1. 12 weeks old Maran
2. He does not stand on his legs, seem to lose his balance and use his wings to help him not fall. His legs are sometimes resting kind of in front of him. He also opens his mouth like he's gasping for air.
3. I noticed he was on the floor last night and found him like this this morning.
4. No other sick birds for now.
5. No sign of injury
6. My 4yo tried to hold him a few times 2 days ago and was dropping him on the ground (not from very far up). After 2-3 times, I told him to stop. I don't know if that is what caused this.
7. He had "Poule Vite" which is some kind of vitamins that you put in the water. He ate some rice and oat as well.
8. I haven't seen any poop so far
9. Just some vitamins
10. I want to treat him myself if possible.
12. He's on straw in a box inside since 12pm.
 

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azygous

Enabler
Premium Feather Member
12 Years
Dec 11, 2009
28,229
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Colorado Rockies
Have you noticed if this Marans' pupils are unequal? It may just be the left eye is half hidden, but if the pupil is smaller or misshapen, there could be brain damage. That would also account for the lameness.

If the weather has been extremely hot, heat stroke can produce similar symptoms. Try giving the bird some Gatoraid or sugar water with a pinch of salt and baking soda. If that doesn't work, then it may be injury to the spinal column or Marek's. The age is right for onset of symptoms.
 

marika_ouellet

Hatching
May 6, 2022
5
0
7
Have you noticed if this Marans' pupils are unequal? It may just be the left eye is half hidden, but if the pupil is smaller or misshapen, there could be brain damage. That would also account for the lameness.

If the weather has been extremely hot, heat stroke can produce similar symptoms. Try giving the bird some Gatoraid or sugar water with a pinch of salt and baking soda. If that doesn't work, then it may be injury to the spinal column or Marek's. The age is right for onset of symptoms.
If it is Marek and it is contagious but my birds have been vaccinated, is there hope that the other 12 will be fine?
 

azygous

Enabler
Premium Feather Member
12 Years
Dec 11, 2009
28,229
46,041
1,232
Colorado Rockies
Marek's vaccine only helps chickens develop resistance and it helps prevent Marek's tumors, but they can still get the disease. The most common symptom is an inflamed sciatic nerve, which it appears this bird may have.

There's every reason to believe the rest of the chickens will be okay, having developed resistance from the vaccine.

There have been birds that have recovered. Give B-complex. It can help repair injured nerve connections.
 

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