3 week old chicks have spraddle leg-I think

[chickadee 2]

Hi
All of a sudden 2 chicks have spraddle legs. When I first noticed them with a problem they seem to be doing a dirt bath. Then they have trouble standing up. They were fine minutes before. Also one has skin that is tough on its back-feels tough. Feeding 20% chick starter/grower. I am new at this and don't know what to do.
Thanks

 

[hinkjc]

If they weren't born like this it is likely not spraddle leg. I would guess at 3 weeks, you've got a case of Marek's starting. There is more info on it here and a picture of a chick with it. See if this looks familiar or if you could post a pic that would help.

http://www.merckvetmanual.com/mvm/index.jsp?cfile=htm/bc/203602.htm&word=marek's

Jody

 

[chickadee 2]

Thanks Jody
I did look over the information, but at this point I don't think that this is the problem. I will try to post a picture tomorrow. He seems like his legs have outgrown his body. They stick out in front of him and he is sitting on the top joint where the leg meets the feathered part. He has not feathered out as well as the others. He eats and I fixed some vitamin water to drink. His comb is just starting to grow some and it looks like a double comb. He was able at first to jump up and run when I tried to catch him and I have tried the band-aide support for his legs. That hasn't seemed to help. He trys to stand up, but it is like his feet won't support him.

I bought him at tractor supply and some of the ones I bought had a pasty butt after a day or so. I didn't know to check them and tractor supply didn't want you to pick which ones you want. "They" boxed them up.

If it turns out to be Marek's-what do I need to do? Are eggs or meat edible? Do they need to be destroyed?