Lavenders_Blue Posted October 18, 2012 Share Posted October 18, 2012 One of my new hens (Quartz) is poorly. She hasn't laid for 4-5 days, although I haven't worried about this given the time of year. Yesterday, she came out of the coop as usual, pecked around, fed, drank etc as normal. I went out for the afternoon and when I came back I found her huddled underneath the coop unable to stand I have no idea what is wrong with her - all the usual things seem normal (although she doesn't appear to have eaten much). I had to put her to bed last night as she couldn't make it up the ladder by herself, and then get her out again this morning. She is trying to get around, but limping very badly and is now just flopped down in the run again. I am going to take her back to the breeder this afternoon (I am out this morning, grrrrrrr) to see what he says and if no joy there, the vet. I am finding this very upsetting having not long lost two girls and now another poorly and a young hen too. Not much point to this post but needed to get it off my chest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 18, 2012 Share Posted October 18, 2012 Could be anything H, but get the vet to check for Marek's as there's a 'slow burn' version which displays similar symptoms but it's not easy to diagnose. Good luck Quartz. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted October 18, 2012 Author Share Posted October 18, 2012 Oh bum, really? I'm pretty sure she's vaccinated, would it have covered Marek's? I didn't get her to the breeder/vet today as she seemed to be rallying this afternoon a bit, but I WILL take her tomorrow to be on the safe side and I will make sure to ask about Marek's. I certainly don't want them all to get it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 Even if it is marek's then the others would be unlikely to come down with it unless they are otherwise compromised. Fingers crossed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted October 25, 2012 Author Share Posted October 25, 2012 Thanks DM. I am pretty sure it is Marek's now - all the signs seem to suggest it is. Had a poke about on t'interweb and found some info on the 'slow burn' strain you mentioned and that sounds exactly like what I am seeing. Apparently the vaccine is only 80-90% effective (not sure how true that is) so guess we have just been unlucky. Anyway, she is looking heaps better thankfully. In fact you'd hardly know there is anything wrong with her now. Her tail is at 'half mast' instead of down, she's not limping any more, she's been eating and drinking normally throughout so I'm optimistic. I have no idea if she will lay again, would be great if she does but either way as long as she isn't in distress, she will stay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 If it's any consolation, One of mine is limping at the moment, Phil has an eye on her and I will check when/if I get home today. She is inclined to be delicate any way If you need any vet advice then call Clive Madeiros at West Bar Vets in Banbury, he doesn't have the best bedside manner bless him but he's the best when it comes to avian problems. Feel free to say that you know me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted October 25, 2012 Author Share Posted October 25, 2012 Thanks Clare. I think this one will be okay unless she suddenly takes a turn for the worse. But it's useful to know of a vet who knows what he's talking about so I'll keep his number for future reference. My vets are very thorough with examining hens but apart from one vet who seems to know a bit about birds, the rest more or less dish out antibiotics in the absence of anything obvious. Sometimes I go in thinking I know more than they do! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 25, 2012 Share Posted October 25, 2012 ............Sometimes I go in thinking I know more than they do! I think that is often the case when you have hens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
