acting drunk weak legs?

[Angiebubs]

i bought 2 chicks that are about 6~8 weeks old, from someome 1.5 weeks ago. this person takes great care of her chicks and all were happy healthy chicks.
i have had them quarantined and one has seemed like it hasnt gained much.
tonight its alert running eating and dust bathing but when standing or walking her legs keep giving out. she walks like shes drunk.
any ideas?

 

[Angiebubs]

anyone?

 

[iheartnh]

Do some research on Marek's. We lost a chick to it about a month ago, and that's a great way to describe his behavior when I first noticed something was wrong.

 

[Angiebubs]

The thing is, Mareks usually causes a leg to go out to side, back front, etc...this isnt the case with this one.....its legs are just weak.....acts drunk. Did you see anything more like what I am describing?

 

[iheartnh]

No, but I was told Marek's doesn't always have textbook presentation - there are a few different strains, and it can manifest in different ways depending on the location of tumors and other factor - and many times it's not until birds are "full-blown" that the symptoms match the description. That was true in our case. If it IS Marek's, she will deteriorate quickly - it was only 3 or 4 days from the time I thought "hey, he doesn't look right" to "mercy culling".

I hope it's not, and someone else has some suggestions for treatment!

 

[iheartnh]

Hey - I just asked my husband, and he recalls noticing our sick bird having trouble walking up and down our coop ramp - he would go sideways and stumble right off the side. I didn't see it - I wasn't around that day - but I asked him if he would describe it as seeming "drunk" and he said absolutely. Sorry. Good luck!

 

[Angiebubs]

Update: Took a fecal sample to vet today and it was loaded with Cocci-treating with Corid now-just saying a prayer its not too late.

 

[iheartnh]

Aw, poor girl. I hope she gets better! Thank you for the update.

 

[sarandmolls]

Check there's no medication added to the crumb as ducklings eat more than chicks, so can overdose & get wobbly legs. From what I've read it can affect them differently. You can buy a non medicated alternative.

 

[Angiebubs]

It was a chicken. I kept treating for Cocci, it would get better for a few days then start up again. Unfortunately, we ended up having to put her down when she lost too much weight and couldn't stand/was suffering. I had an autopsy done and she was full of Cocci. Even worse, I have since lost a few more in my flock. I have treated a few times for Cocci but this appears to have been a very strong strain. Over the past year since I got her, I have lost 3 hens and a roo. Almost lost another roo, and hen. Same symptoms. I was able to save the Roo/hen by treating for Cocci then immediately treating with Tylan for respiratory per Vet instructions as they tend to get run down immune systems and get secondary respiratory infections. This sux because I wanted to add a few chicks this spring, but until I know for sure that things are settled down and nothing is still contagious, I dont want to risk it.