Chick struggling with walking

[happima]

My 4 week naked neck just started having issues walking this past week. I've been putting the girls on the hardwood floor since they were a week, just to have some roaming time outside the brooder. This past few days, I've noticed that Oz (the naked neck) is having problems getting secure walkind and slips and slides and can't really figure where to put her feet. Is this just an awkward stage? Should I just keep her off hard surfaces or could there be another issue here.

Here's a video to give you a peak:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/25651608@N04/6223322209/

 

[happima]

My son just said that video didn't show her real problems. The video doesn't really capture it, but she does do the splits and really falls over sometimes when she tries to walk.

Hope someone can help.

 

[CrestedGirl]

splayed legs? Not sure what she has though

 

[fezlet]

I read that hardwood floors and any slick surface aren't really good for them. Mine will do a slip and slide when I put them on the bathroom floor. Try putting her on a rug or a mat where she can get some stability and see how she walks. Don't remember where I read that at or if it is even refutable, but I'd give it a shot.

 

[happima]

Unfortunately, my little chick has taken a turn for the worse. She just can't walk at all now and is lying down with her leg sprawled. I went ahead and drop fed her some Poly-vi-sol in case this is Riboflavin deficiency. I also have separated her from the other chicks. Wow, I feel like this happened very fast and at an age where I thought they were older and stronger. I have no idea what happened or if the other chicks are at risk. The others seem very healthy and full of energy.

We'll see what happens during the night. Poor little chick.

As always, insight appreciated.

 

[fezlet]

Good idea on the Poly-vi-sol. Hope that'll pick her back up

 

[BrattishTaz]

The link in my signature has a lot of info on leg issues. I hope it helps.

 

[KandiandJerry]

Hope she pulls thru.....it is adorable......

 

[happima]

Talked to a vet who said it could be riboflavin deficiency, thiamin deficiency or Vitamin D deficiency and to get unmedicated feed (which could make it hard to absorb thiamin, as I understand) and some poultry vitamins.

Going to feed store as soon as it opens to try to get this stuff.

She's still alive, eating, chirping, but can't even really stand to eat now.

 

[heatherkh]

Search in this forum about making a splint from a band aid. Should help with the splayed leg.

http://www.poultryhelp.com/spraddle.html