Brahma leg issues leading to death

[kelseyk]

My friend came to me with a chicken health question and would like to get thoughts from people on this board.

They bought some chicks from the farm store in June - light brahmas and americaunas. Here recently they have started having issues with their legs - acting "like they are too heavy for their legs". The video attached shows how one of the remaining ones is walking on her hocks. They said it starts with ring a bit lame in the left leg and then goes to both. It is only happening to the brahmas and they have lost 3 so far. I am thinking vitamin deficiancy - specifically B - as it reminds me of one of my ducks that needed a bit more niacin than what I was supplementing my whole group of ducklings. If you think vitamin deficiancy, would you recommend nutri-drench or polyvisol infant drops? If not thinking vitamin deficiancy, what do you think it is? I have had them check for bumble foot and coccidiosis already just to rule those out. Marek's came to mind, but they don't seem to be showing any other paralysis signs (wings or neck) before they die. Thanks for all your help!

 

[coach723]

Hock sitting can be riboflavin deficiency. I would get a human B complex supplement (regular, not time release) and grind it up and give one daily mixed in a bit of moistened feed to see if there is improvement. It's easier to up the B's this way. Since the B's are water soluble no risk of giving too much. Thiamine deficiency can also cause balance and neuromuscular symptoms. Both will be in a B complex. Nutri drench does not contain riboflavin.