Chick with leg problems, I don't think it's spraddle leg

[willkatdawson]

I have a chick that hatched yesterday that doesn't really walk. It's legs face forward like they should but, it never really stands up. I placed it away from it's mom and it kind of ran to her but it never stood up. I've looked at it''s legs and they look normal in position and appearance. When I hold the chick in my hand and help support it's weight it stands perfectly normal but, when I take my support away it's right back sitting on it's bottom again.

 

[BellLisamo]

is he acting weak? my chick acted like that, and wasnt eating or drinking.

 

[chicklady63]

I wouldn't worry quite yet. The chick is still very fresh from hatching and obviously needs to build up its strength. I had this happen recently with an OE Gamebird chick and was a little concerned myself, but within 48-hrs. it was doing much better and is completely fine now.

Good luck!

 

[willkatdawson]

It's not eating but, I don't think that's abnormal because the other chicks have hatched over the course of three days and they have just now started taking some food from their mom. Maybe it's too young to eat just yet.

 

[jimnjay]

I agree to give it time. You might add vitamins to the water. Sometime they are weak but a dose of V&E can help. I had one that did that with the last hatch. It did not get better even after I gave Polyvisol directly into the beak and had to be put down after a week. Sometimes there are neurological issues that just don't get better. Good Luck with you chick.

 

[willkatdawson]

how much polyvisol can I give it? How much should I add to the waterer? I also have so grow gel but, it's so young it's not really eating or drinking yet.

 

[wingnut1]

I had a little one do the same thing - 48 hours later he was up and moving about - and is doing fine!!! So I agree with the others - give it a couple of days and it will probably be up and at 'em. Mine hobbled a bit at day 2 - and sat down a bunch at days 3 and 4- and now runs around like the rest of them!