Chicks unable to walk

[Jenaia Ward]

We recently had 7 chicks hatch and all were healthy and fine until about 2 weeks ago. I noticed 2 of the 7 were quietly laying in the corner of their cage. Naturally I removed them, just in case it were something contagious, and put them in their own cage alone away from the others. Upon examination, I quickly noticed both chicks were unable to properly stand or walk. I read a lot about the B2 (Riboflavin) dificency so the next day purchased a B Complex suppliment and started giving it to them regularly. One of the two chicks significantly improved, until today. Now they're both laying down and unable to get around. Both chicks are eating and drinking and acting completely normal other than their neurological issue. Does anybody have ANY advice on what we should do next?

 

[jwyles]

We recently had 7 chicks hatch and all were healthy and fine until about 2 weeks ago. I noticed 2 of the 7 were quietly laying in the corner of their cage. Naturally I removed them, just in case it were something contagious, and put them in their own cage alone away from the others. Upon examination, I quickly noticed both chicks were unable to properly stand or walk. I read a lot about the B2 (Riboflavin) dificency so the next day purchased a B Complex suppliment and started giving it to them regularly. One of the two chicks significantly improved, until today. Now they're both laying down and unable to get around. Both chicks are eating and drinking and acting completely normal other than their neurological issue. Does anybody have ANY advice on what we should do next?

Could it be mareks? I think symptoms won't show until they are a few weeks old. I really hope not but I'm glad you isolated them.

 

[Jenaia Ward]

I guess it could be... But would they still be eating and acting normal 2 weeks after their first symptoms? And would they get better, and then decline again?
I've never dealt with the disease.

I did just notice I don't think they've drinking like they were, possibly because of the b complex and electrolyte/probiotic combo I put in there yesterday. I just offered them a few syringes of water and they gobbled it down.

 

[jwyles]

I guess it could be... But would they still be eating and acting normal 2 weeks after their first symptoms? And would they get better, and then decline again?
I've never dealt with the disease.

I did just notice I don't think they've drinking like they were, possibly because of the b complex and electrolyte/probiotic combo I put in there yesterday. I just offered them a few syringes of water and they gobbled it down.

I'm not sure if the could go up and down in health like that. I've had no personal experience with the disease. I've just read that the symptoms your chicks are having can be sumptoms of mareks. It's worth reading up on.

 

[Kiki]

It could be Cocci.

 

[drumstick diva]

There are some very good threads on Mareks, on BYC. You might want to check them out to see if any symptoms sound like what yours are doing. You may also want to post at "emergencies, diseases, injuries, cures," thread.