Dying Welsummer Chick

[WeedEater]

3 weeks old, in large brooder( converted Great Pyreness dog crate), with about 35 other chicks of various breeds. It is a bit on the small side, but all my birds appear in great health and have been thriving. Last night I found it laying on it's back under the light in the brooder. The other birds were not harassing it, but I am greatly concerned. I isolated it in a separate, smaller brooder with 8 other welsummers, positioned it in a corner so it would at least be protected on three sides. It seems to have an issue with it's right leg, but could limp around to get water and food. However this morning, it was on its back again, sleeping. I think it's some sort of trauma, though other than the limp I can see no obvious source of injury. The birds have had no access to treats or anything I believe would be toxic, but the fact it wants to lay on it's back is very puzzling. If this is indicative of something neurological and a threat to my other birds, please let me know! Currently, I don't know what to do other than let it expire.

 

[WeedEater]

Several hours later, not much improvement. It's the left leg, not right, and it seems to protrude and not have control over it. I can manually flex it, but it doesn't seem to be able to itself. I've tried giving it some water, but it's not very interested. It's begun trembling slightly.

 

[Chicks R Friends NOT Food]

I'm sorry to hear that. I wish I could help.

 

[LynneP]

Three things come to mind- footing, injury and neurological impairment.

Footing- if chick is on shavings and you are sure the brooder is sufficient to support the feet, perhaps this can be ruled out.

Injury- might be in pain and requires support in the form of a simple wrap.

Neurological- Mostly this would be excessive requirement of vitamins and it would not hurt to offer this chick and the others with her baby vitamins (no extra iron) in their water or if this chick will not/can not drink, by dropper. Some owners have also had sucess with oil-baded Vitamin E gelcaps- offer the contents on the tongue.

In all scenarios, chick is probably dehydrated from lack of moving around with the others. I would be inclined to have it alone, separated, just in case you have something contagious.

I'll watch this thread, hoping you are nearby.

 

[WeedEater]

Thank you for the replies...she's definitely dehydrated, I'll try by dropper. Both legs are extended now and it doesn't seem able to use them, so this seems to have progressed somewhat. ALL the other birds seem fine, so if this isn't ringing any bells with symptoms, then I might not worry about a contagion. It's just sad...I hope I don't have to cull it, but I will if I need to put it out of it's misery.

Definitely NOT a footing issue, litter is deep and sufficient.

Injury is possible but not obvious. I'd like further information of the wrap suggested.

Again, thank you for the thoughtful responses!