Bielefelder Chick!

[tradair]

Hello all - first time post here. I have a chick who 3 days ago stopped walking. She’s 20 days old and is a Bielefelder (first time with this breed). Vaccinated at hatch. She appears to have maybe B2 deficiency? She’s so happy, just chirping and walks on her hocks. I’ve developed a little sling for her to stand in while I give her vitamins. How long will this last? How do I know it is not Marek’s? What other supportive care can I provide? She is still preening, pooping, but her hydration is decreased but she certainly gets feed/grit off the bottom of the brooder.

 

[coach723]

What vitamins are you giving? A super B complex, 1/4 to 1/2 a tablet daily is good for supplementing the B's, I've had them improve after only one or two doses sometimes, but it can take longer. The B's are very safe, so no worries about overdosing on those. For hock sitting, that is what I give. 20 days is a little early for Marek's symptoms, in laying birds it's usually more in the 12 -24 week range, but could happen as early as 6 weeks. Have you ever had a bird with Marek's? A chick chair or sling can be helpful to help her eat and drink while she hopefully recovers. Vitamin deficiencies are not uncommon.
Some idea's in this thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/versions-of-chick-chairs-please.1166308/

 

[tradair]

Thank you! No, I have never had a chicken with Marek’s. I wouldn’t even know what to look for other than what Google says! That’s what I’m giving, I figure you can’t overdose on that. I was also using an electrolyte supplement but I’ve decided that it wasn’t good enough and got a different brand (Duravet).

 

[tradair]

Update - totally resolved after I gave 1mL x 2 days of Super B Complex liquid! I think I was going a little light initially.

 

[Ais]

Yay! I'm happy to hear that. Great job!

 

[coach723]

Very glad your chick is doing better! Thanks for the update, always good to know how things turn out.