Chicks dying...what is going on here?

[ninjapoodles]

One by one, this is what happens: Chick gets lethargic, then one leg goes limp, then curls uselessly. Bad leg eventually straightens, and then hyperextends in a backward direction, by which time chick is lying spread out, panting. I've culled them all at this point.

Does anyone know what could possibly be going on? The unaffected chicks are strong and vigorous, everyone eating and drinking and pooping normally...until someone succumbs to the mystery ailment. I'm holding out hope that I just culled the last one, and the rest will be fine.

ETA: These chicks are 2 days old.

 

[emilyweck]

Mareks????

 

[ninjapoodles]

Quote:
I really have no idea. Where would they have gotten it? I have a closed flock, no new birds anywhere near them. I am clueless.

 

[emilyweck]

How soon have you been culling after hatch? So many chicks just need some extra vitamins to catch up with their growth. Just like children need supplements. So do they. It could have just been a deficiency of vitamins. Seems pretty common. I hope the rest of your babies are doing well. How old are these guys? I'm glad you're being diligent to rid disease! Keep me posted and fill me in on the other ?'s when you have a sec.

 

[ninjapoodles]

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The first couple died on their own, yesterday, at one day old. I started culling when the chicks were basically lying flat (looking "deflated," if that makes sense), gasping for breath, and when I held them I could feel a "click" inside with every gasp for air. Their little eyes were closed by that point, too.