Help identifying possible causes of “paralysis” in my chicken

[pineirafarms]

For the last three days, one of my eight week old chicks has been walking around like it’s drunk it stumbles getting around one of its wings seems to droop and it’s legs kind of lay to one side when it’s laying down. I have separated it from the rest of the chicks, but I’m not sure where to go from here. It doesn’t seem to be Mareks disease from what I’ve read, but I am a first time chicken owner so I have no idea. Help would be very much appreciated!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I would suspect Mareks.

 

[ChicNmom]

Do you have any B complex at home? You could try giving it some to see if that helps.

Where did you get your chicks? Is it eating and drinking?
Were you keeping it in an area that previously held chickens?

Also I noticed a red patch in the first pics that look like it's on the top of it's leg/hip area. What is that?

 

[SapphireHill]

Various Mycoplasmas can mimic Marek’s. Research the vitamin, supplement & support protocol for that as well if you’re able take a fecal sample to a vet or your university extention lab.

It may not be totally curable but can be manageable with patience and attention. It’s possible to have a healthy walking chicken in about 1-3 months but it can be challenging work. Absolutely imperative to separate & isolate her and be really mindful of cross contamination with your other chickens.

If she passes away it’s worth getting a necropsy from your state university lab (or avian vet if available and affordable) as well so you can rule out Marek’s which is not identifiable until death unfortunately.

 

[Eggcessive]

What is your general location? Do you have any larger chickens or a rooster who could have hurt the chick? Is it having any symptoms of coccidiosis, such as runny poops, not eating, puffing up, or lethargy before it was down and stumbling? Have you ever seen any tremors in the chick? I would make sure to feed the chick several time a a day, chick feed mixed with water, and given some vitamins and electrolytes. A chick sling might be good to get it up and in front of food and water for periods throughout the day, and letting it sleep and rest between those times.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

For the last three days, one of my eight week old chicks has been walking around like it’s drunk it stumbles getting around one of its wings seems to droop and it’s legs kind of lay to one side when it’s laying down.

Welcome To BYC

What do you feed your chick?
What's going on with the bare spot, was this chick picked on a lot?

Photos of poop?

 

[pineirafarms]

Welcome To BYC

What do you feed your chick?
What's going on with the bare spot, was this chick picked on a lot?

Photos of poop?

View attachment 3951221

What is your general location? Do you have any larger chickens or a rooster who could have hurt the chick? Is it having any symptoms of coccidiosis, such as runny poops, not eating, puffing up, or lethargy before it was down and stumbling? Have you ever seen any tremors in the chick? I would make sure to feed the chick several time a a day, chick feed mixed with water, and given some vitamins and electrolytes. A chick sling might be good to get it up and in front of food and water for periods throughout the day, and letting it sleep and rest between those times.

Thank you for your response! Shortly after we brought it home it began having runny, blood tinged poops. We suspect it was coccidiosis. Unfortunately this chick passed but we started the rest of our flock on Corid to hopefully prevent any other sick chicks.

 

[pineirafarms]

Welcome To BYC

What do you feed your chick?
What's going on with the bare spot, was this chick picked on a lot?

Photos of poop?

View attachment 3951221

It had grown with those bald spots from hatch. I didn’t get photos of poop but shortly after we brought it home from the coop it began having runny blood tinged poop and we suspected coccidiosis. The rest of our flock is now being treated to hopefully prevent any more sick chicks.