6 week old chick falling in brooder

[GrFChickens]

Hi there,

I have a 6-week old Buff Orpington who just started falling over in her brooder this morning. I don't know what's causing it. She seems happy and is scratching for food - she just loses balance and topples over herself. Could her wing be broken? Broken leg?? Can you get spraddle leg at this stage? Her food is up on a box that hasn't been covered by paper towels, so wondering if she lost balance and broke it??

Thanks so much!

 

[Eggcessive]

She possibly could be dehydrated. That as well as neurological diseases, such as Mareks can cause loss of balance. Coccidiosis can cause dehydration, so you might want to check her droppings for runny mucus or blood. By now are you still using heat in the brooder, and what is the temperature?

 

[GrFChickens]

I've been dipping her beak in water. I'm suspecting Vitamin B deficiency or Marek's now and will be treating for those. Don't see any bloody or mucous-y stool. The chicks are outside now in a run - just moved them out today. Thanks for helping me troubleshoot!