DoublePlusGood
In the Brooder
Hi all-
I have 6 leghorn chicks purchased from local feed store. They are between 2 and 3 weeks of age, but closer to 3 weeks, I think.
They had been doing well in their brooder until a couple of days ago. Then I noticed 1 had what looked like slightly splayed legs. I removed it from the brooder and put it in its own warm box, as it was getting a bit trampled by the others. Yesterday, I noticed two more chicks looking like their legs were splayed, so I removed them as well. All were eating and drinking (with assistance - had to hold them up to the water bowl).
This morning, the chick that presented with splayed legs first was doing the splits. Not as interested in food and water, but still making some effort to eat. One of the other effected chicks is starting to do the splits as well. The third is getting worse as well.
The other 3 of the 6 leghorn chicks seem to be just fine.
I have read a number of posts on the forum. It seems like it's a bit too soon for Maerks disease, as the chicks are between 2 and 3 weeks, and Maerks onset is usually no sooner than 3 weeks.
Could be AE, but then wouldn't all 6 chicks be affected?
Is there any way to determine whether I am truly dealing with something infectious here? I do have other chickens (housed on the opposite side of the property) and I am concerned about whatever this is infecting them.
Advice?
I have 6 leghorn chicks purchased from local feed store. They are between 2 and 3 weeks of age, but closer to 3 weeks, I think.
They had been doing well in their brooder until a couple of days ago. Then I noticed 1 had what looked like slightly splayed legs. I removed it from the brooder and put it in its own warm box, as it was getting a bit trampled by the others. Yesterday, I noticed two more chicks looking like their legs were splayed, so I removed them as well. All were eating and drinking (with assistance - had to hold them up to the water bowl).
This morning, the chick that presented with splayed legs first was doing the splits. Not as interested in food and water, but still making some effort to eat. One of the other effected chicks is starting to do the splits as well. The third is getting worse as well.
The other 3 of the 6 leghorn chicks seem to be just fine.
I have read a number of posts on the forum. It seems like it's a bit too soon for Maerks disease, as the chicks are between 2 and 3 weeks, and Maerks onset is usually no sooner than 3 weeks.
Could be AE, but then wouldn't all 6 chicks be affected?
Is there any way to determine whether I am truly dealing with something infectious here? I do have other chickens (housed on the opposite side of the property) and I am concerned about whatever this is infecting them.
Advice?
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