3-Week-Old Welsummer Chick Suddenly Can’t Stand or Walk — Weak Legs, Still Eating :(

[queenq]

Hi all, I have a 3-week-old Welsummer chick who suddenly lost the ability to stand or walk about 5 days ago. She was perfectly healthy and active the day before.

Symptoms:
- Can’t stand or walk. When she tries she flops over in all directions
- Almost exclusively sits on her hocks/stands in hocks
- Legs can stretch but can’t support weight
- Originally had limited wing movement, but by Day 5 she can now flap her wings.
- Frequently peeping and still quite alert
- Has decent head control and eats/drinks fine with assistance (though not sure she needs it)
- Her feet look fine and she doesn't have curled toes.

Timeline:
This came on very, very suddenly, with no warning signs. It's been 5 full days with no major improvement, though she hasn’t declined further either.

Other Chicks:
She was in a brooder with 5 other chicks but no other birds are affected. As soon as I noticed her symptoms, I separated her from the rest. They're all still active and healthy.

Trauma:
There are no signs of injury, wounds, or broken bones. Nothing visibly abnormal.

Diet & Hydration:
I syringe-feed her ~1.5–2 mL of vitamin B-complex + vitamin C water mix about 3 times a day.

She has access to open water and start and grow chick feed as well, though I rarely see her eating or drinking lots.

Her crop is never overfull, but she’s getting something down.

Poop:
Fairly normal, considering her food/water intake. A little watery at times, but no blood or alarming color changes.

I’m trying my best to treat her at home, but I’m concerned about the lack of improvement. I've reading up on every possible thing it could be and would love help narrowing it down and hearing your thoughts on what I should do.


Thanks so much for any advice

 

[Eggcessive]

What B complex product do you have? Does it have riboflavin (B2?) I recently saw where some product did not have that, and that is what she needs. Can you also start some vitamin E 400 IU daily, and empty the softgel into a bite of cooked egg which contains selenium. Those will all treat neurological problems and riboflavin deficiency. How are her poops? Is there any indication of coccidiosis?

 

[queenq]

What B complex product do you have? Does it have riboflavin (B2?) I recently saw where some product did not have that, and that is what she needs. Can you also start some vitamin E 400 IU daily, and empty the softgel into a bite of cooked egg which contains selenium. Those will all treat neurological problems and riboflavin deficiency. How are her poops? Is there any indication of coccidiosis?

Hello!
Thank you very much for your response. The B complex does have riboflavin and some vitamin c. I'll start the vitamin e today . Her most recent poop seems good, not watery/diarrhea or bloody at all.