1 week old chick suddenly can't stand, seems healthy otherwise, what could it be?

[Dudu]

Dear All,

I haven't seen this before but out of a litter of 6 babies that hatched approx. a week or 10 days ago, one suddenly cannot stand up or move properly, but is still very active, peeping, eating and drinking by himself. I saw the mommy this morning making scratching motions on him and thought that was the cause but I am not sure what really happened. I immediately isolated him not to be killed by the mom.

I have never seen this before, does anything come to mind? Thanks a LOT in advance...

Irena

 

[Eggcessive]

He seems too young for Mareks disease, but maybe he got injured. I would start it on baby vitamins and vitamin E right away since many problems are vitamin deficiencies. Here is a good website for diagnosing leg and foot problems along with treatments: https://sites.google.com/a/poultrypedia.com/poultrypedia/poultry-podiatry

 

[hatcherkid777]

It is possible it could be spraddle leg it would help if you posted pics here is a link about spraddle leg

 

[Dudu]

Thanks so much, will try to take a video tomorrow. Am reading the link, thanks so much, I didn't know about it.

 

[hatcherkid777]

No problem

 

[Dudu]

Adding photos (battery too low to make a video, aaargh!), but I'm afraid they don't really illustrate the problem - however, s/he seems to be able to stand and even walk, but when walking, after a few steps either falls on the side, or flips over on the back, but immediately corrects herself and continues to walk. I read some from the website (above) and I am thinking of bringing him a buddy from the same litter, but at the same time afraid that the buddy might accidentally push my sickie unnecessarily.

I also added poly-vitamins for poultry to the water this morning (our day is just starting now, it's almost 7 am).

Last night I found him comfortable with a full crop. This morning I assisted him to drink, but I think he drinks on his own also.

 

[Eggcessive]

He would probably love company--just watch them to make sure he doesn't get picked on.

 

[Dudu]

Thanks, will try that out then, although tonight I found him sleeping peacefully under the pink teddy bear that I put in there for him. But I think I'll bring him a buddy soon.

Small update - he seems to be able to walk more without falling over. Really moves around a lot, eats and drinks. I soooo hope it was just his mom stepping on him maybe. He doesn't seem to have anything visibly wrong with his leggies. We'll see.