Kirstie Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 Hi, My 6 week old chick has in the last couple of days got a poorly leg. He's preferring to sit down most of the time but will hobble to food and water. He looks like he's limping and sticks out his wing when he really looses balance. It's quickly come on, and I took him to the vets who put him on metacam which didn't make a difference. I have him isolated from the rest of his siblings as the vet did warn it may be a disease. Now I have a horrible thought it is Mareks. But he's currently bright and eating and drinking. So I'm going to give him some more time to see what happens. Does anyone know how long before I would know if any other chicks were going to get it if it is Mareks? Also if he gets over it and it was Mareks I get he would always be a carrier/shedder so does that mean he has potential to infect the rest of the flock or will they be immune as if they don't catch it this time? But would he infect new birds joining the flock? Also I have read about giving them hypericum to help them get over it - anyone heard of this or given it? Sorry this is written in a rush as I'm running out the door to catch the shops before they close to pick up some hypericum. Kirstie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted August 20, 2011 Share Posted August 20, 2011 I haven't heard about St Johns Wort as a treatment for Mareks but I'd be interested in how you get on. If it is Mareks, he's unlikely to recover but it's not impossible. If it is, then the others have already been exposed to the virus as it's shed constantly. They may be developing a natural immunity to it, or they could come down with it at any stage. It might be that the cockeral is weaker than the others and hasn't been able to withstand it. A lot of "ifs" but the the honest answer is "I don't know". Fingers crossed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 I have lost a few girls to Mareks... They will shed the disease constantly, although some hens are immune. What breed is your chick... It's more common in some breed eg. Silkies. I now routinely vaccinate my chicks against Mareks as I have had it in my flock. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 I have also had mareks in my little flock. I lost one of my sablepoots to this horrible disease a couple of months ago. I am hoping although there is no guarantee that my remaining poot is resistant. I will always be watching & waiting It is highly contagious although many, especially older hens are resistant. Some breeds are more susceptible than others - silkies, sablepoots & seibrights being top of the list. I truly hope young little chick recovers & that it isn't M/D. It does have implications for all your hens if it is. Do take your vets advice & try to find an avian specialist if possible. Good luck. Alli xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
