[ollies mom]

Buff Orpington cockerel only had him a week,He is feeding ok but seems very unsteady on his legs walks round for a short while then just drops to the floor then seems to struggle to stand back up,even I walk up behind him doesnt have strength to run on in front, Have isolated him in the hope he will pick up definatly doesnt seem right, any ideas please :?

[Vember]

Could you give us a bit more info Ollies mom

How old is he?
What are his poops like?
Does there appear to be any damage to his feet, any swelling?
Does he feel under weight at all ?
Are his eye's bright?
Any sniffles, weezing?
Any sign of nasties? On him or in coop?
Are all your other birds ok?


Sarah

[ollies mom]

He was brought with 2 hens who along with my other hens seem fine no nasty poops we have another cockerel all approx 22 weeks keeping them apart separate house and run have left them on garden together whilst watching sussex cockerel will be aggresive so we seperate them before any bullying occurs eyes are bright brought him in conservatory last night i lifted him up to his feet he will feed and peck about for 5 mins then flop to his belly then stay there for ages as if waiting for the stregth to stand the he is very tentative walking as if he has got to be sure where he is putting his feet hope this helps

[Vember]

It really is a tricky one :?
The symptoms your discribing could be Marek's Disease, which is caused by the herpes virus it affects the legs & wings
One of my books suggests it's mainly hen birds that are affected, so hopefully I'm wrong

Here is an article on Marek's from the poultry site
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/90/mareks-disease

Sarah

[woodburner]

Is he overweight? What you describe sounds like my Cobbs, when they have put on weight fast from being left with more feed than they really need.

[MontyTom]

Not sure I would waste time. Give some vitamins in water, perhaps some poultry drink, good feed and if not picking up in a few days get rid. I know you said you've isolated but the less bugs around the better. I've wasted time in the past, feeding via syringe etc, don't let it suffer and cull if it's looking weak and struggling. Eyes are usually a good sign of health - alert or half closed. Good luck.

[Bodger]

Ollies Mom.

I'd simply cut my losses before they become any greater.
This may sound as though I'm being a bit of a 'Smart Alec' but please read this.

http://www.chat.allotment-garden.org/viewtopic.php?t=19629