Fall chick raising

[aeb1960]

Thank you for the encouragement! I will try to get a photo of the chicks tomorrow. I see the point about lowering the temperature in their box, or I will never get them used to the outdoor temperatures. Our problem right now is that one of the littlest ones, a Wyandotte, is ailing and I don't think she will make it. She, and a larger chick whose foot suddenly was turned under, are now in a small section of the box, separated from the other 8, and I think they need to be kept warm. My son made a little cardboard "shoe" for the brown chick so it can get around okay, but the little Wyandotte is huddled in the corner, legs out to the side, and can't get around. We have been giving them both Polyvisol vitamins, and making sure the little one gets food. The feed store forewarned us that sometimes chicks don't build up the resistance they need to tolerate the Mareck's disease bacteria. I guess that is what is happening to this little one. I was going to try eloctrolyte solution.

 

[maidenwolfx80]

Be caeful that you dont have them on a slick surface. It cause spraddle leg which is what sounds like has happened. What material is under foot? How old are these two? Make sure there is something with grip under that little shoe. You can also use a bandaid as a brace. I would for sure seperate and have it warmer for them and cooler for the rest of the gang. It doesnt have anything to do with disease, I dont know what feed store you went to but, I honestly wouldnt buy chicks there again, they dont know what they are talking about. Getting wrong advice is worse than getting no advice.

 

[aeb1960]

Thanks. The Wyandotte died (actually, we put it out of its misery...it was opening and
closing its beak all the time like my little zebra finch did before it died, and was oh-
so-weak...poor thing!). The brown chick is having trouble with both of its legs now. I see some posts talking about botulism. (?) All the other chicks look very healthy. I
will try to get photos today.

 

[aeb1960]

I forgot to mention...they are on shavings in a box. The brown one would be about 8 to 9 weeks old now. It is smaller than the other 8, though, although it does eat and drink fine.

 

[maidenwolfx80]

I forgot to mention...they are on shavings in a box. The brown one would be about 8 to 9 weeks old now. It is smaller than the other 8, though, although it does eat and drink fine.

Be careful what you read. Alot of deisease have some of the same symptoms. A pic sould be good. Is there anything under the shavings for stability and traction?

 

[maidenwolfx80]

I forgot to mention...they are on shavings in a box. The brown one would be about 8 to 9 weeks old now. It is smaller than the other 8, though, although it does eat and drink fine.

Be careful what you read. Alot of deisease have some of the same symptoms. A pic sould be good. Is there anything under the shavings for stability and traction?

 

[aeb1960]

This poor wee chick's right foot was turning under this week, so my son taped on a cardboard shoe. Then the left leg began having problems, buckling under him, and sticking out to the side. We have to sit him upright or he flops over. He is eating and drinking, but can't get around easily. We are also giving him Polyvisol vitamins. He is about 8 or maybe 9 weeks old.

 

[maidenwolfx80]

It looks like there is a nerve issue to me. I am going to copy and send this to a friend for advice is that ok?

 

[maidenwolfx80]

Ok info I got was this,,,

"That is going to be a neurological problem most likely. He probably got his head o r spine hurt some way. About all you can do is give him the vitamins and some vitamin E capsules and hope they help. I personally would remove the shoe if this developed rather than something he was born with."

I had a chick that all of a sudden couldnt stand and shook her head alot. I started her on vit E and it went away. Get some vit E capsules at a pharmacy or walmart etc. Poke a small hole in the capsule and squirt about half in the beak , do this morning and evening, or at least twice a day.

 

[maidenwolfx80]

Moreinfo

"
This looks like classic Mareks symptoms!


Neural form: Characterized by one, all, or none of the following symptoms -
• Progressive paralysis, usually of the leg or wing, a typical leg-paralysis victim will
have one leg extended forward and one leg extended back. A swelling of the sciatic
nerve is the cause.
• Weight loss
• Labored breathing
• Diarrhea
• Starvation and death due to an inability to reach feed and water and to trampling by penmates.

I'm guessing your bird has Mareks, and if so, it is transmitted by feather dander, dust, bird to bird, insects, air, etc-- basically this is HIGHLY contagious and very dangerous to your flock. You could lose your entire flock in a matter of days. I'd separate him, and probably just go ahead and put him down and bury him. Mortality for Mareks is 100%-- there is NO cure. And the death is quite awful. I'm so sorry, and I'm usually not all "doom and gloom", but I really think you have a very, very serious disease on your hands. I would be a disaster if I saw this on one of my birds and I would cull immediately just because I would not want it passed on."