Single hen

[Nature Chick]

We have just got back from the vets after saying goodbye to White-tail who had developed a large tumour. She had a happy life with us after being rescued a few years ago.

The vet mentioned Mareck's Disease and said that it could be the cause for the tumours as Blondie died of the same thing last summer. This has panicked us as we are now left with a lonely hen - Red has been shouting all weekend after White-tail took to her bed and I am worried that she won't be okay on her own.

Our worry is that if it is Mareck's then we cannot get more hens or have someone adopt Red for fear of spreading the virus. I find it unlikely as I imagine they would have been vaccinated as chicks and they have shown no other symptoms in the time we have had them.

Can anyone advise on Mareck's or suggest what to do with our Red?

 

Thanks

x

[Hen Watch]

Sorry to hear about your loss.

 

I don't know anything about Marek's unfortunately. Found this info though which sort of suggests you can't test for it. What about if you ask you vet what they think or if they can run any tests etc on your remaining girl?

 

http://www.organic-vet.reading.ac.uk/Poultryweb/disease/marek/marek1.htm

[The Dogmother]

I am going to lock this topic as there's an identical one running in the chickens section