10wk Marans chick can't walk - possible Vit B deficiency??

[casportpony]

I'm not saying it is Marek's, just that it could be... I hope it's not. FWIW, I have two in my chicken hospital right now that have Marek's, but neither one look like those pictures, or any others that I have seen.

-Kathy

 

[chyler79]

I think she might be a LITTLE better today, she was moving her legs around more. I'm making her a sling today. I still have hope!

 

[chyler79]

OK, so my little Sherman is not improving. She is also losing weight now. She still eats when food is in front of her and drinks water, and she tolerates me feeding her VitB with a dropper, but I'm wondering how long I should go on. I've been supplementing her twice a day for almost 2 weeks and if anything, she got a teeny bit better but now can't stand at all and falls forward onto her face if I try to stand her up. She also hates the sling.

What do I do? Is there chicken euthanasia?

 

[Nambroth]

OK, so my little Sherman is not improving. She is also losing weight now. She still eats when food is in front of her and drinks water, and she tolerates me feeding her VitB with a dropper, but I'm wondering how long I should go on. I've been supplementing her twice a day for almost 2 weeks and if anything, she got a teeny bit better but now can't stand at all and falls forward onto her face if I try to stand her up. She also hates the sling.

What do I do? Is there chicken euthanasia?

This is sad... I'm sorry. This sounds a lot like my bird that had Marek's. I'm not saying that's what it is, but, it might be worth your while to research about it. If she passes, and I hope she does not, consider getting her tested... There are links in the FAQ in my signature on how to do this.
Take heart; some birds that go through this DO improve and live quite a while. But... some do not.
A vet will humanely euthanize, for a fee. You can do it at home, if you have the stomach... there are a great number of threads about the most humane way to do this here on the forum if you search. If she were mine, I'd give her more time to see how she does, but the choice is yours and you should do what you think is best.

 

[chyler79]

This is sad... I'm sorry. This sounds a lot like my bird that had Marek's. I'm not saying that's what it is, but, it might be worth your while to research about it. If she passes, and I hope she does not, consider getting her tested... There are links in the FAQ in my signature on how to do this.
Take heart; some birds that go through this DO improve and live quite a while. But... some do not.
A vet will humanely euthanize, for a fee. You can do it at home, if you have the stomach... there are a great number of threads about the most humane way to do this here on the forum if you search. If she were mine, I'd give her more time to see how she does, but the choice is yours and you should do what you think is best.

Thanks for your condolences and info Nambroth, I appreciate it. I'm just not sure how long to wait, especially since she is now losing weight and is less vigorous. I will give her another week or two as long as she keeps eating, but it's so sad how much less she weighs than her sisters

 

[Nambroth]

Thanks for your condolences and info Nambroth, I appreciate it. I'm just not sure how long to wait, especially since she is now losing weight and is less vigorous. I will give her another week or two as long as she keeps eating, but it's so sad how much less she weighs than her sisters

I understand. Use your best judgement. You are the only one there with her... and only you can see her in person and have a sense of how she is doing. If she seems perky and willing to fight, well, that is one thing. If she seems depressed and struggles to stay alive, that is another.
Best wishes, I know this is a hard place to be.

 

[chyler79]

We let Sherman go today - she was not improving and was losing weight. Sad. Thankfully, my other 3 pullets are doing great and are now outside in their tractor, pecking about happily. RIP Sherman, you were a pretty little bird.

 

[casportpony]

Sorry for your loss.

-Kathy

 

[nimopiba]

I'm so sorry you had to let her go. I was hoping this thread would end differently. Unfortunately I am having the same issue with one of my little Ameraucana chicks. I have 6 chickens outside but only 2 little Ameraucana chicks in a dog kennel in the house. One is fine and the other is exactly as you have described yours. She is gorgeous and so calm. I am going to be sad if she goes.

 

[SoCalChkn1023]

Which liquid Vitamin B did you purchase? I feel that I have the same issue