bungle Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 Stuart is a 6 month old Cockerel, when I went down this morning he can't stand up an is laid on one side - his wing he is laid on feels really hard and he isn't moving it. I have put him in the house away from the others laid on straw with food and water. Can anyone help?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lillybettybabs Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 Could he have injured himself Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted February 8, 2012 Author Share Posted February 8, 2012 I'm not sure, would damaging his wing make him lay down? His legs don't appear to be damaged or anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 I'd get him to a vet. Cockerels, even more than hens, hide their illness as they have the responsibility of looking after the flock. I hope he recovers. My Phillip will be 4 in a few weeks so I hope your's lives to a ripe old age too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheeky Chooky Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 Sorry I don't have any advice but I just wanted to say I hope he's ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted February 8, 2012 Share Posted February 8, 2012 what breed is he? Is he able to move the wing and is it outstretched or dropped from its normal position and can he stand or walk? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
not enough chickens Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 how is he getting on ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mum Posted February 9, 2012 Share Posted February 9, 2012 Hoping he is improved - do let us know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted February 13, 2012 Author Share Posted February 13, 2012 Stuart is a frizzle / silkie mix absolutely beautiful, yesterday we put him in the garden he managed to stand up and went for a little walk around but he is off balance and keeps falling on his side or nose diving, his wings seem to be losing feathers. Yesterday I washed him and dried him and have continued to give him water and vitamins in a syringe. Still no idea if anyone can help?. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 I'm afraid this sounds like it could be mareks, which I'm sad to say is virtually incurable. It typically starts with paralysis in a wing, and will spread to the leg and foot. Unfortunately silkies are one of the breeds which are more prone to it - its a virus spread via feather dander. The definitive diagnosis is via a post-mortem, although I understand that 2 blood tests could also be taken, although still there isn't a cure and it is highly unusual for birds to recover. Its a nasty disease, which gets progressively worse as internal tumours also grow which means the bird not only loses mobility but it also gradually loses the ability to eat/drink. I have also read, but not experienced myself, that birds can lose feathers I assume you've checked him over for any leg sprain type injuries (swelling/heat) or bruising, hard to see I know, and for ear mites/blockages? Otherwise, as your lad isn't getting any better, I'm afraid its a trip to the vet for a professional diagnosis and treatment/PTS, or culling. In the meantime, keep him warm and fed/hydrated as best you can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted February 13, 2012 Author Share Posted February 13, 2012 I have been reading about Mareks online, he is loosing alot of weight - are they in pain with the disease? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Well I can hazard a guess that they are as the symptoms are so pervasive, both inside and out I think the worst thing is that they will eventually starve/dehydrate to death. The whole disease is a horrible thing to see, and obviously much worse for the chook. With no realistic prospect of a good outcome, personally I'd be preparing myself to take cull/vet PTS action, very sad though it is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted February 13, 2012 Author Share Posted February 13, 2012 I can see him have to be culled, I didn't want him to suffer . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Probably for the best - Mareks can be a slow progression or quite aggressive; I had a hen with it once and she went downhill very quickly so I despatched her before she got too bad. It is a herpes virus which is dormant in the nerve endings and usually 'comes out' when the bird is otherwise poorly or very stressed, moulting can also trigger it. I am very sorry fro you, but there's really nothing that you can do if that's what he has. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Very commendable Bungle; its the hardest thing to have to do but I firmly believe it is the right and responsible thing to do where Mareks is concerned. My thoughts are with you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mum Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 I can see him have to be culled, I didn't want him to suffer . So sorry ((hugs)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 I agree with Daphne and The Dogmother, it does sound like Mareks. What a shame. Clutching at straws here, but sometimes with a moult they can become very weak and fall over. I'd seek the opinion of a vet as soon as you can, so that you are absolutely sure. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 13, 2012 Share Posted February 13, 2012 Do you have any Nutri-drops to hand? You can try giving him some of those until you can get him to the vet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bungle Posted February 14, 2012 Author Share Posted February 14, 2012 I have tried nutri-drops and other vitamins to build his strength over the last week. Unfortunately when I got home last night he was getting cold and couldn't stand so he is now in the garden pushing up the daisy's. We are going to get another Cockerel over the next few weeks as you get used to them in the morning and the girls are missing him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 Sorry to hear it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 Very sorry to hear your sad news The boys do worm their way into your hearts don't they? RIP Stuart. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mum Posted February 14, 2012 Share Posted February 14, 2012 Cold comfort, I know, but he isn't suffering now ((hugs)) and you did what you could for him. Must have felt so strange this morning not hearing him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...