Falls over

[denimeggs]

I have 2 of the 5 4-week old Araucanas that I hatched at home who seem to have occasional unilateral leg weakness. They'll be doing their own thing like everyone else then suddenly fall over to one side and spin around trying to get up for a few seconds, then they get up and resume what they were doing. It happens more often when they are startled. 1 of them is smaller than all of the others, but they both act and eat normally all of the rest of the time. The smaller one required help hatching. What is this, and what can I do for it, and is it a danger to the rest of my flock?

 

[NotTheMomma]

Merks? Hopefully someone with knowledge will see this as I dont know. Huggles

 

[MikasGirl]

Sounds like maybe Mareks. If you have a local feed store maybe you could ask them about it. But I am not sure if it is Mareks, so you should read up on it. Good luck!

 

[Momma_Cluck]

try adding polyvisol (baby vitamins, no iron) to their water, and maybe increase their protien with some crumbled hard-boiled egg yolks...

They need to build up their strength... IF it is not Mereks...
But if you hatched them, I'd think the whole flock is already contaminated if they produced the eggs...???

 

[denimeggs]

They eggs did not come from my flock and the rest of the flock is vaccinated for Mareks.

 

[lesterlu]

i dont know much about Mareks. and i hope it is something simple.

in any case, do you know if your older flock was vaccinated with a live or dead vaccine? i am not positive, but if it was a live vaccine, you may need to vaccinate any new incoming birds before they live with the older flock.

maybe someone with background in this area could clarify this.

i hope they are getting better soon.

 

[denimeggs]

Can Marek's vaccine be given to chicks greater than 1 day old?

 

[lesterlu]

maybe you should put "need experienced advice" in the thread title so one of the longtimers can help. or maybe the state vet or your hatchery/supplier can help.

good luck.