2-3 weeks old, mareks?

[Sylvzzz]

I’ve got two Brahma chicks that are concerning me for possible marek’s? One is worse than the other. They are both acting like they don’t want to get up and walk around, however they can walk if I pick them up and put them elsewhere. They just don’t stay up very long. The other 7 chicks I have are seemingly fine. Like I said, One seems to be worse than the other and has diarrhea. They will still eat if food is put near them, but they are clearly not getting as much nutrition as the others. I’ve separated 3 of the 9. All 3 are light Brahmas and came from the same batch. I also have buff orpingtons I got a few days prior and they seem to be thriving with no issues. I attached some pictures. The darkest one seems to be the worst off.

 

[MysteryChicken]

I’ve got two Brahma chicks that are concerning me for possible marek’s? One is worse than the other. They are both acting like they don’t want to get up and walk around, however they can walk if I pick them up and put them elsewhere. They just don’t stay up very long. The other 7 chicks I have are seemingly fine. Like I said, One seems to be worse than the other and has diarrhea. They will still eat if food is put near them, but they are clearly not getting as much nutrition as the others. I’ve separated 3 of the 9. All 3 are light Brahmas and came from the same batch. I also have buff orpingtons I got a few days prior and they seem to be thriving with no issues. I attached some pictures. The darkest one seems to be the worst off.

Wings wide open like that means they're too hot.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I would suspect they need a little vitamin boost and someplace to escape the heat before I would suspect Marek’s. From my understanding that wouldn’t show up until later. I would give them a little wet feed with something like NutriDrench in it and see if that helps them perk up. Brooding in plastic with a heat lamp can be rough on chicks. There is no ventilation at the bottom of the brooder so not only is it hot but there is a lot of CO2 build up down there. If you are going to brood in plastic, drill some holes in the side for a little air flow.

 

[Yardmom]

This is not Marek's. These chicks are struggling with body temperature. Chicks need a place to warm up, but they also need a place to cool down. Raising the heat lamp could help, but they really need a larger ventilated area.

 

[Sylvzzz]

This is not Marek's. These chicks are struggling with body temperature. Chicks need a place to warm up, but they also need a place to cool down. Raising the heat lamp could help, but they really need a larger ventilated area.

They actually have plenty of space to cool down on the other side, it is a pretty decent size, and I have two separate spaces. Heat lamp is even quite high to avoid being too hot. It’s only warm in a corner. I have 9 chicks currently, only 2 are acting this way. They aren’t panting, or keeping wings open, I just caught it stumbling in the photo with the wings open. Doesn’t want to drink water. But it will eat if I put it near food.

 

[Sylvzzz]

I would suspect they need a little vitamin boost and someplace to escape the heat before I would suspect Marek’s. From my understanding that wouldn’t show up until later. I would give them a little wet feed with something like NutriDrench in it and see if that helps them perk up. Brooding in plastic with a heat lamp can be rough on chicks. There is no ventilation at the bottom of the brooder so not only is it hot but there is a lot of CO2 build up down there. If you are going to brood in plastic, drill some holes in the side for a little air flow.

I will try wet feed and see if it helps. I added poultry cell to the water today. But it’s not wanting to drink. Will eat if put near the food.
The heat lamp is quite high, so the warmth isn’t too bad and it’s only in a corner so they have tons of space for coolness if needed. The one isn’t keeping wings open, the photo I have was it stumbling around and happened to drop its wings down when I snapped the picture. Hoping with some supplements they’ll perk up.