[b][/b]Help! Avian encephalomyelitis in chick?

[blanche]

Having posted earlier about a chick that shivered despite seeming not to be cold, I'm now very concerned that she may have avian encephalomyelitis. We brought six 1-day-old chicks home on Wednesday. (Today is Saturday). All have been eating, drinking, dashing about etc. One chick, however, has had persistent head/neck tremors. My research led me to the possibility of encephalomyelitis; we've now isolated her -- in a smaller box within the large box where the other chicks are. She is very unhappy (& so are we!), but we do not want to risk infecting the other chicks through her feces (which obviously could already have happened). She does NOT have the other symptoms described for encephalomyelitis -- dull eyes, loss of control of legs. DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE CAUSING THE TREMORS? And if she does have encephalomyelitis & by some miracle doesn't die from it, will it be safe to put her back with the other chicks? At what point? Any help will be greatly appreciated. We have had a few chickens for almost 2 years, but these are our first chicks. . . and this is heart-breaking. Thank you.

 

[CoopCrazy]

Sounds almost neurological to me.. Especailly if she isnt showing any other symptoms... Can you put a stuffed toy for her to snuggle up with or hang a feather duster upside down in the brooder so she climb in it like she would under a broody... Good luck I hope she makes it

 

[blanche]

I hope you are right! Something neurological was our first thought, too, but then research led us to the various disease possibilities, especially AE. Will definitely take your suggestion re putting a stuffed animal in her box. She is no worse than she's been . . . it's been more than 3 days now, with tremors being the only symptom. Am hoping to talk with a poultry specialist tomorrow (Monday) -- would like to get her back in with the other chicks if it seems AE is unlikely. Am also thinking of adding electrolytes to her water -- any suggestions on what type to buy, and how much?

 

[blanche]

By the way, she came from Privett Hatchery in N.M. Anyone know whether their chickens are immunized? I've emailed them but heard nothing so far. Thanks again to anyone with more ideas / info!