OK, so I have a question and I'm gonna post it here.. since FF is the ONLY thing keeping my chick alive! This is not an emergency, as we are going on 1 week right now. But I just want some experienced opinions to cull or not.
Last Sunday after being gone for the day, a silkie/unknown mix (about 9 weeks old now, smooth feathered, standard size, 5 toes, dark skin, crest formed around 4 weeks similar to Swedish Flower that aren't born crested, slight feathered legs, clean feat & face) that was broody raised and booted at 4 weeks with his brother, had his legs floppy and not able to hold himself up. Naturally being beat up by other flock members and trying desperately to get away.
Other than un-usable legs, NO other symptoms. No respiratory signs, no diarrhea, normal color stool, tail held high, eyes bright and clear, no progression of paralysis, stable head when not trying to walk, sits up nice and tall and talks with me. Closest thing I can associate is maybe vitamin E deficiency? None of the diseases fit as far as I can tell. Been supplementing E in FF and also nutridrench. Chick doesn't have enough control to drink water and doesn't do so when I try to assist. So the first day or 2 with supplements in the water was likely irrelevant. Again this IS the reason I am positive it IS the FF and the moisture content keeping him alive. Today is day 7. I don't *think* I'm seeing improvement. Of course the real question is cause... genetics or parasites seem like the most viable sources. I haven't yet done a fecal float because the girl that does them at the vet isn't there every day. And there are no VISIBLE signs of external parasites (should I treat externally anyways?). Won't treat for worms without verification, that would likely be a death sentence.
I have 60 ish birds (all ages and genders) and feed flock raiser with 20% protein (fermented), always free range on lush pasture, and many feeders to avoid bullying. Treats are VERY minimal with that many birds and knowing too much makes me a tightwad with them.
IF the bird survives and is a boy, we would cull and eat at 16 ish weeks anyways. If it's a female, might let her stick around for a year and lay eggs before rehoming. Don't believe in breeding the weak, plus not breeding mixes. So my only serious commitment is to doing what is right for the bird. Note if the legs don't start working, I don't have the means to support a disabled chicken. I have tried to save it and give it a chance at life. How do you know when resistance is futile? What would you do? Cull and discard, cull and try to get a necropsy, or keep trying? Any other suggestion?
TIA for the input from my many valued and experienced peeps!
Last Sunday after being gone for the day, a silkie/unknown mix (about 9 weeks old now, smooth feathered, standard size, 5 toes, dark skin, crest formed around 4 weeks similar to Swedish Flower that aren't born crested, slight feathered legs, clean feat & face) that was broody raised and booted at 4 weeks with his brother, had his legs floppy and not able to hold himself up. Naturally being beat up by other flock members and trying desperately to get away.
Other than un-usable legs, NO other symptoms. No respiratory signs, no diarrhea, normal color stool, tail held high, eyes bright and clear, no progression of paralysis, stable head when not trying to walk, sits up nice and tall and talks with me. Closest thing I can associate is maybe vitamin E deficiency? None of the diseases fit as far as I can tell. Been supplementing E in FF and also nutridrench. Chick doesn't have enough control to drink water and doesn't do so when I try to assist. So the first day or 2 with supplements in the water was likely irrelevant. Again this IS the reason I am positive it IS the FF and the moisture content keeping him alive. Today is day 7. I don't *think* I'm seeing improvement. Of course the real question is cause... genetics or parasites seem like the most viable sources. I haven't yet done a fecal float because the girl that does them at the vet isn't there every day. And there are no VISIBLE signs of external parasites (should I treat externally anyways?). Won't treat for worms without verification, that would likely be a death sentence.I have 60 ish birds (all ages and genders) and feed flock raiser with 20% protein (fermented), always free range on lush pasture, and many feeders to avoid bullying. Treats are VERY minimal with that many birds and knowing too much makes me a tightwad with them.
IF the bird survives and is a boy, we would cull and eat at 16 ish weeks anyways. If it's a female, might let her stick around for a year and lay eggs before rehoming. Don't believe in breeding the weak, plus not breeding mixes. So my only serious commitment is to doing what is right for the bird. Note if the legs don't start working, I don't have the means to support a disabled chicken. I have tried to save it and give it a chance at life. How do you know when resistance is futile? What would you do? Cull and discard, cull and try to get a necropsy, or keep trying? Any other suggestion?
TIA for the input from my many valued and experienced peeps!
Hope you are enjoying. Great suggestions. 
