scarlettohara Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 (edited) I found Beetle sitting at the bottom of the cube steps this am, I picked her up which is most unlike her - she is the hardest to catch. Couldn't feel anything broken or any wounds so put her on the floor, she struggled a few steps but was knuckling and hunched up with wings drooping. We have just got back from vets who is unsure whether it is Mareks or not - she has had anti-inflammatory and penicillen injections. Her temp is not really high but she is pretty depressed - closing her eyes, beak open and not eating or drinking The only new girls I have introduced were my ex-bats a month ago and they are fine Lots of vibes for Beetle please and any suggestions/advice would be great Edited October 29, 2010 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted October 28, 2010 Author Share Posted October 28, 2010 She has eaten some mealworms and a little mash, I have syringed some water onto her beak. She stood to eat the mealworms and was not knuckling Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 Cream Legbars are prone to Mareks but Columbines as hybrids are normally vaccinated against such things the symptoms do sound pretty right though If your vet is stumped then consider a journey to Towcester - Beech House Vets - Charles there is really excellent with chickens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkBevBen Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 Poor Beetle and we're sening lots of get well wishes to her. Hoping that as she's managed to eat and drink a little bit is a good sign Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted October 28, 2010 Author Share Posted October 28, 2010 She is much brighter now - looks like she may be getting ready to lay as flinging straw around. As there is no treatment for Mareks I'm surprised she has responded to the injections. Tasha I just checked she is vaccinated against Mareks My vet has his own chooks, they did suggest Polyarthritis as well which is a bacterial infection. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizzieLloyd Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 Hi there - I'm new to the forum so am still finding my way around! One of my girls has in the last couple of days become very insteady on her feet. She seems to be waddling from side to side and and sometimes stumbles. That said her appetite is absolutely normal and she's bright and perky in herself. She is going through a very aggressive moult at the moment but other than that has no visible symptoms. Does anyone have experience of this happening? I've read up on Marek's and cant seem to make a connection but I'm not sure if she's been vaccinated. Lizzy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 Lizzie, it sounds as if your hen is just suffering from a full on moult, and it can make them very shaky and off it. I'd suggest that you just observe her for now, but consider taking her to the vet if she deteriorates. A protein boost in her diet may help. Try dried meal worms or rinsed tuna. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizzieLloyd Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 Lizzie, it sounds as if your hen is just suffering from a f full on moult, and it can make them very shaky and off it. I'd suggest that you just observe her for now, but consider taking her to the vet if she deteriorates. A protein boost in her diet may help. Try dried meal worms or rinsed tuna. Thanks for the response. I'm putting poultry drink in with their water and feeding lots of yummies to boost her diet which hopefully will get her back on track. I hadnt heard of tuna so will give that a try although I'll have to fight the cats off first! She's still so full of beans its really heartbreaking to see her wobbling all over the place. The saddest thing is she's the 'top chicken' and I can see the others sizing her up, waiting to take her on for dominance. Hopefully they wont start bullying her as she doesnt have the strength to fight them off at the moment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coco Posted October 28, 2010 Share Posted October 28, 2010 One of my girls Lily had a full moult during the really bad weather last winter. She was very unsteady on her feet and would stagger sideways or lie down. I gave her lots of extra protein such as mealy worms, tuna or even a bit of scrambled egg made with water. Once she grew her feathers back she was her usual bolshy self. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizzieLloyd Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 I'm pleased to say Marjorie is well on her way to recovery and is now looking almost like her old self (if not a little bald!). Thanks for the tips Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scarlettohara Posted October 29, 2010 Author Share Posted October 29, 2010 Beetle has made a miraculous recovery Went to vet again this am for 2nd injection and he couldn't believe the difference - she strutted all round his floor, bokking and poking her beak into things She had another shot of penicillin to be on the safe side, I am keeping an eye on her but she is eating and drinking and making a lot of noise, perhaps she fell down the ladder and bruised or sprained something Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizzieLloyd Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 Great to hear she is on the mend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 Good news all round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancing cloud Posted October 29, 2010 Share Posted October 29, 2010 Glad to hear Beetle's doing so much better . They certainly know how to worry us, don't they? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted October 30, 2010 Share Posted October 30, 2010 Good news!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
