5 week old Chick unable to walk

[RoseZubal]

Hey there! I have a 5 week old baby chick that I thought had Splayed legs so we put a rubber brace on her and separated her for a little over a week. We thought she was getting better but yesterday seems worse. She won't bend her right leg now. We have her on Vit E and Selenium for about a week, She is smaller than her sisters and her comb is smaller too. Anyone know what they think it might be? Husband said maybe Merek's disease but I'm not convinced that's it.

 

[coach723]

While Marek's can show up as early as 3 or 4 weeks of age, it's more common around point of lay or 12 to 30 weeks. Since the bird is much smaller than flock mates it may have an internal issue that is affecting absorbtion of nutrients, or may be getting kept from feeders more. I can't really tell from your pictures what the leg issue looks like. If you can get a picture with the hobbles off, or a video of how she moves, it might be helpful. In addition to what you are doing I would also get a human B complex vitamin supplement (regular not time release) and give her 1/4 to 1/2 tablet ground up and mixed in some moistened feed daily and see if that helps any. B deficiencies can cause some strange neuromuscular symptoms sometimes, particularly riboflavin and thiamine. Does she eat and drink well now that she's away from the others? Are droppings normal looking?

 

[RoseZubal]

While Marek's can show up as early as 3 or 4 weeks of age, it's more common around point of lay or 12 to 30 weeks. Since the bird is much smaller than flock mates it may have an internal issue that is affecting absorbtion of nutrients, or may be getting kept from feeders more. I can't really tell from your pictures what the leg issue looks like. If you can get a picture with the hobbles off, or a video of how she moves, it might be helpful. In addition to what you are doing I would also get a human B complex vitamin supplement (regular not time release) and give her 1/4 to 1/2 tablet ground up and mixed in some moistened feed daily and see if that helps any. B deficiencies can cause some strange neuromuscular symptoms sometimes, particularly riboflavin and thiamine. Does she eat and drink well now that she's away from the others? Are droppings normal looking?

 

[RoseZubal]

Waht mg of vit b do you suggest? yes she eats and drinks and her poop is normal. Yesterday there was 1 that looked loose. I will post a video of her trying to walk on Saturday, when I get home I can post another video of her walking today.

 

[coach723]

Just get a B complex tablet, it contains all the B's. B's are water soluble and any extra will be excreted in droppings, so overdosing is not really a concern. This is the one I keep on hand, but any will do as long as they are not timed or extended release:

 

[RoseZubal]

ok thanks. I tried to send video but didn't go through. I will try tonight.

 

[coach723]

You have to post your video on youtube or other external host, and then put the link here, for it to show up, it won't directly load to this site.

 

[RoseZubal]

 

[RoseZubal]