HELP, my chicken can't walk

[Clairg66]

I have a 4 1/2 week old broiler that just decided today that it doesn't want to walk. We have separated him from the others and he will eat and drink as long as it is put right in front of him. I have read up on Marek's Disease but the only signs familiar with Marek's is him not being able to walk.

I need help, I have already lost nearly 50 chicks to SDS and I don't know if I can deal with much more loss.

 

[azygous]

Your little guy is getting to the stage where his body may be getting too heavy too fast and surpassing the ability of his leg bones to support the weight. He may have already suffered a fracture and is in pain, and he doesn't want to put weight on his legs.

This, unfortunately, is what lies in store for many of this breed as they grow.

I have never raised meat birds myself, but a friend decided to do it a couple years ago. She was so heartbroken by the broken legs and suffering she vowed never again.

You might try giving him half a baby aspirin or 45g of a regular one.

 

[Couchmo]

You might check this thread:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...uddenly-cant-stand-up-others-fine-help-please

I changed my feed ration to regular chick starter at 17% protein and treated the one affected chick with Dandelion Root, Oat Straw & Nettles (fortunately in liquid form). I got thelse items at a local natural foods & herbs store. I mixed these into her food & got a "Daylight" bulb to put over her during the day to help her body produce Vitamin D. These were the treatments I found for "Ricketts", which it was suggested she might have. After about a week and a half - two weeks, she was able to stand and then a few days later she started to walk haltingly. She is now back in the coop with her flock mates and although slightly smaller, happy to be with her flock mates and nearly fully recovered. She is gaining weight and it's getting harder to pick her out from amount the others. Looking Good

!
Hope this helps. Best wishes & God Bless you and your chicks.