Morphrose
Hatching
I recently purchased 15 chickens from a well know hatchery. I bought their Ornamental Layer package and have no idea what most of their breeds are, but I do know they are pullets. Within a few days I lost 4 babies, all which were pretty weak from the journey from Iowa to Florida. I have also determined that one of the babies is blind, but she is managing well despite her disability.
The problem I am currently having is with one of my chicks that has always been very active and healthy. We even went as far as to name her Sassy because of her spunk. Yesterday she seemed a little more quiet then normal. She was still walking around with her sisters but she kept going into a corner by herself. Then this afternoon I realized she is having significant trouble standing and walking. When placed on even ground she wobbles and holds out her wings in an effort to regain balance. No matter what I have done her condition has not improved. She is on a medicated chicken starter and received both probiotics and vitamins in her water. I gave her extra vitamins with a syringe this afternoon and I really do not believe her weakness is due to a deficiency of some sort. I am concerned she may have something viral, a neurological condition or was injured by one of her larger sisters. Her legs move easily and without pain. They do not splay out or appear to be deformed. She is eating and drinking, but is having trouble getting herself to her dishes. I have moved her into a secluded brooder that is small and easier for her to maneuver. She is not lethargic and is peeping away while I watch her like a hawk.
Does anyone have an idea of what this sudden illness could be? Should I be worried for my other chicks? If there is anything I can do to help my Sassy girl I am happy to do it, and I really do not want to lose her. My daughters have become very attached to our remaining babies as have I. Any and all ideas are greatly appreciated.
The problem I am currently having is with one of my chicks that has always been very active and healthy. We even went as far as to name her Sassy because of her spunk. Yesterday she seemed a little more quiet then normal. She was still walking around with her sisters but she kept going into a corner by herself. Then this afternoon I realized she is having significant trouble standing and walking. When placed on even ground she wobbles and holds out her wings in an effort to regain balance. No matter what I have done her condition has not improved. She is on a medicated chicken starter and received both probiotics and vitamins in her water. I gave her extra vitamins with a syringe this afternoon and I really do not believe her weakness is due to a deficiency of some sort. I am concerned she may have something viral, a neurological condition or was injured by one of her larger sisters. Her legs move easily and without pain. They do not splay out or appear to be deformed. She is eating and drinking, but is having trouble getting herself to her dishes. I have moved her into a secluded brooder that is small and easier for her to maneuver. She is not lethargic and is peeping away while I watch her like a hawk.
Does anyone have an idea of what this sudden illness could be? Should I be worried for my other chicks? If there is anything I can do to help my Sassy girl I am happy to do it, and I really do not want to lose her. My daughters have become very attached to our remaining babies as have I. Any and all ideas are greatly appreciated.
