[HELP] Miracle Silkie Hatched Chick Having Major Issues!

[Jake Pfeiffer]

Hello.
I need help with issues of a newly hatched silkie chick.

Here are the details:
I had a small hatchery on a table that was knocked over, and along with it, the hatchery. This lone egg somehow did not break during the incident, but did form a small crack. Movement had stopped so we were not hopeful, but kept the egg in the incubator anyways. To our surprise, on day 21, the chick hatched within 2 hours of piping! But, he/she has some issues. I do not know the severity, but would like help ASAP.

Issues:
• The chick is unable to walk or stand. It lays on its side, chirping. Whenever we prop it up, it stabilizes with its wing for a couple seconds and then falls again. We currently have his legs treated for splayed leg with a bandaid. This was done 6 hours ago and has seen no improvement in being able to stand on its own, though it is able to keep standing for a few more seconds.

• Currently on hour 24 after hatch, so I don't know if this is severe, but the chick has not eaten or drank and does not accept anything we give it.

• The chick has pooped or peed a clear liquid that appears to have a solid that looks like a stringy yolk piece.

• Whenever the chick is on its side, its leg shakes, similar to a shiver, but only that one leg. We don't think it's cold because the temperature is 37.5°C .

Thanks for any help you can provide.

Here is a picture of how he sits:

please ask for any additional information needed!​

 

[Pyxis]

Can the chick straighten its legs out? I'm wondering if slipped tendons are a possibility.

It not eating is normal, they can live off their yolk for up to three days. Usually they will start eating at a day or two old.

 

[Brookethechickenwhisperer]

He could have mareks disease.A disease that leaves chickens paralyzed.He could have a calcium deficiency if not mareks.Mareks usually occurs in young pullets.I think it is a deficiency.You can give him liquid vitamins,or POSSIBLY electrolytes.

 

[Miss717]

He could have mareks disease.A disease that leaves chickens paralyzed.He could have a calcium deficiency if not mareks.Mareks usually occurs in young pullets.I think it is a deficiency.You can give him liquid vitamins,or POSSIBLY electrolytes.

I don't think Marek's shows up this soon.

 

[Jake Pfeiffer]

Can the chick straighten its legs out? I'm wondering if slipped tendons are a possibility.

It not eating is normal, they can live off their yolk for up to three days. Usually they will start eating at a day or two old.

I attached a video to the top of this message. Half way through you can see him fall down and kick, stretching his legs out. Thanks for trying to help my chick out!

He could have mareks disease.A disease that leaves chickens paralyzed.He could have a calcium deficiency if not mareks.Mareks usually occurs in young pullets.I think it is a deficiency.You can give him liquid vitamins,or POSSIBLY electrolytes.

Are you able to tell from his movement in the video attached, or is this something unable to be seen from movement? Thank you for trying to help!

 

[sourland]

As a newly hatched chick, Marek's is not very likely. Were the legs splayed, and is that why they are taped? Some chicks are just weak and tired upon hatching and take a while to gain control of their legs. Not drinking or eating for up to 48 hours is not uncommon. Is the chick gradually gaining strength ? If so, I would be tempted to see what happens if you remove the hobbles.

 

[Pyxis]

I attached a video to the top of this message. Half way through you can see him fall down and kick, stretching his legs out. Thanks for trying to help my chick out!

If he can stretch them all the way out, then it's not slipped tendons, which is good news. I would get some nutri-drench and give him that in his water and a couple drops directly into his beak each day; it should give him a boost. Don't force the drops into his beak or he could aspirate, just drop them onto the end of his beak and let him drink them on his own.

 

[Jake Pfeiffer]

As a newly hatched chick, Marek's is not very likely. Were the legs splayed, and is that why they are taped? Some chicks are just weak and tired upon hatching and take a while to gain control of their legs. Not drinking or eating for up to 48 hours is not uncommon. Is the chick gradually gaining strength ? If so, I would be tempted to see what happens if you remove the hobbles.

I had guessed that the legs were splayed so that's why there is tape (bandaid). He seems to be gaining strength, as yesterday he couldn't even move, but it is taking quite a while.

If he can stretch them all the way out, then it's not slipped tendons, which is good news. I would get some nutri-drench and give him that in his water and a couple drops directly into his beak each day; it should give him a boost. Don't force the drops into his beak or he could aspirate, just drop them onto the end of his beak and let him drink them on his own.

I will look into nutri-drench. Thanks so much for the suggestion. I'm glad to hear its not slipped tendons. Do you know where I could pick up some nutri-drench?

 

[sourland]

Do you feel that the hobbles may in any way be impeding his ability to move ? If so you might try removing and seeing how he does. Good luck with him/her.

 

[Pyxis]

I had guessed that the legs were splayed so that's why there is tape (bandaid). He seems to be gaining strength, as yesterday he couldn't even move, but it is taking quite a while.


I will look into nutri-drench. Thanks so much for the suggestion. I'm glad to hear its not slipped tendons. Do you know where I could pick up some nutri-drench?

If you have a local Tractor Supply, they carry it. It will be near the other poultry supplements