Childrens vitamins safe for sick chick???

[Nicole95]

Hello again! This is the post I originally made last night:

After reading many posts under this section I'm hoping someone can help. I purchased six chicks two weeks ago. They're about two and a half weeks old now. They are Wyandottes. About two days ago I started noticing these symptoms in one of the chicks:

Loss of balance
Stumbling
Head crouched down
Laying down 90% of the time
Laying back on her haunches

I have NOT seen any of these symptoms:

Labored breathing
Drainage from eyes or beak/nose
Bloody poop

Additionally, she eats and drinks perfectly and her poop looks normal. She lays down to eat as well but she eats as much as the other chicks. Also, their feed isn't moldy. And they are on medicated chick starter.

She is a doll and I'm so hoping I don't lose her. I'm fearing Mareks disease. None of the chicks were vaccinated. Its awful to watch her stumble and fall and aside from those problems you would have no idea something was wrong with her. She is currently on electrolytes, probiotics, and terramycin (it was the most broad range antibiotic I knew of).

Any suggestions as to what this could be or what I could possibly do to help her??

Thanks to everyone so much!!

^This little chick still isn't doing any better. But no worse either. I am wanting to try giving her some vitamins this evening in addition to the probiotics and electrolytes. Does anyone know if vitamins for children or infants are safe for her to have?? And if not, what would be the best vitamins to get?

I hate being so new to chicks and having these problems with her. It sure makes you feel helpless not to be able to fix them

Also, any other ideas as to what this problem could be are greatly appreciated!!

 

[hrhta812]

Poly Vi Sol liquid baby vitamins is what I've seen people say they use, 1-2 drops per day - not the version with Iron, though, just the regular. Hope that helps!

 

[Nicole95]

I literally gave my baby two drops of the poly vi sol not even ten minutes ago! Fingers crossed! Added some apple cider vinegar and a touch of sugar to their water too. Hoping something will help. I feel like I'm running out of options :/

 

[hrhta812]

Well, it certainly sounds like you are doing all the right things, so hang in there. The hydration part is critical because if they aren't properly hydrated, nothing else will work like it's supposed to, and sometimes it can even make things worse.

I also read one lady's comments about feeding raw egg yolk to an ailing chick, using an eye dropper. She didn't say how much, but probably only a few drops at a time, but hourly if possible.

 

[Nicole95]

I have been soaking their chick starter crumbles with water containing the probiotics and electrolytes. They are crazy about the mash and its really been a blessing for Rosie (the sick baby). She eats like crazy. I figured turning the crumbles into a mash would help her stay hydrated also.

 

[hrhta812]

Glad to hear she's eating well! It's scary to see them struggle. They are so tiny that they can go downhill very quickly. Giving some help right away is critical - you are doing great.

 

[Nicole95]

She is up moving around a *little* bit more this morning. Last night at one point she was laying with one foot balled up in front of her and the other leg splayed out behind her so I'm leaning towards Mareks more and more. I've heard of birds recovering from the symptoms of Mareks but typically replasping some time later. Do you know anything about the disease?