day old chick can't walk- not spraddle leg

[Melissa F]

I have a day old chick who can't walk- his legs are beneath him so I don't believe it is spraddle leg. He can kinda shuffle, but can't get around very easily. When I hold him up he keeps his legs bent, though I can gently straighten them and it doesn't seem to cause pain. It looks like the hocks are larger and redder than the other chicks. Any advice? Thanks!

 

[Eggcessive]

Does he walk on his hocks or elbows? Are the toes curled? Does one leg turn outward as in a slipped tendon? First of all you need to put chick vitamins in his water or give PolyVisol w/o iron vitamins 2-3 drops daily by mouth in case of vitamin deficiency. Here is a site that has helpful information on dealing with leg and foot issues: https://sites.google.com/a/poultrypedia.com/poultrypedia/poultry-podiatry
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/publications/6/diseases-of-poultry/217/vitamin-b2-deficiency

 

[Melissa F]

He uses his hocks to try to get around, but it mostly makes his belly and face push against the floor of the brooder. His toes aren't curled, but they don't splay out like normal- they're kinda gathered together. I can try to get a pic.
I will start with vitamins in the water tomorrow- won't be anywhere to get them tonight.

 

[Melissa F]

 

[Eggcessive]

I would suspect riboflavin or vitamin B2 deficiency. If you have B complex tablets, you can also dissolve one in a gallon of water for him to drink.Here is a link for you: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/880685/chick-walking-on-hocks

 

[Melissa F]

Thanks so much. I do have vit b so I will do that now. Is it okay to if the other chicks drink that as well, or should I separate him?
I'm going to the feed store today and will see if they have chick vitamins, otherwise I'll get some baby vitamins today too.

 

[Eggcessive]

The B complex vitamins in the water are safe for all of the chicks since they are water soluble. Be sure they have riboflavin (vitamin B2.)