- Apr 27, 2014
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Background: We have 8 Welsummer hen chicks, they are about 3 weeks old. They are in a "mobile coop" of my own design, right now kept in the laying box on the back, which is 4'x2'x2'
Bedding is pine shavings, water cleaned out twice day, and they are on free choice feed, which is the chick starter from Tractor Supply.
Heat is provided by a 250W heat lamp which sits on welded wire on top of the box on one side so they can move close or away to self regulate.
The chicks are all growing feathers nicely, but still in that awkward ugly stage.
Yesterday we moved all 8 chicks to the main 8'x10' part of the coop so we could clean the bedding as we had done before. One of the chicks suddenly started flapping its wings really hard, and then became completely paralyzed. With one wing straight out.
We let it sit there for a little bit, and it got a little better, but it started stumbling while walking and showing right side weakness. It seemed to want to sit on its butt with its feet straight out. There were no iris changes or problems with feather follicles.
We separated it, and gave it about a third of a dropper of Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol without iron, and it drank a little water. Late last night it's legs turned purple like if you lose circulation. No sores present.
This morning it is much better, alert, walking around, but it still occasionally stumbles backwards or trips. It is eating and drinking. Legs are still purple.
We gave it one drop of Poly-Vi-Sol this morning. No other chicks show any symptoms at all.
Any thoughts about what it could be or what we can do?
Thanks so much in advance!
Nick and Tiffany
Bedding is pine shavings, water cleaned out twice day, and they are on free choice feed, which is the chick starter from Tractor Supply.
Heat is provided by a 250W heat lamp which sits on welded wire on top of the box on one side so they can move close or away to self regulate.
The chicks are all growing feathers nicely, but still in that awkward ugly stage.
Yesterday we moved all 8 chicks to the main 8'x10' part of the coop so we could clean the bedding as we had done before. One of the chicks suddenly started flapping its wings really hard, and then became completely paralyzed. With one wing straight out.
We let it sit there for a little bit, and it got a little better, but it started stumbling while walking and showing right side weakness. It seemed to want to sit on its butt with its feet straight out. There were no iris changes or problems with feather follicles.
We separated it, and gave it about a third of a dropper of Enfamil Poly-Vi-Sol without iron, and it drank a little water. Late last night it's legs turned purple like if you lose circulation. No sores present.
This morning it is much better, alert, walking around, but it still occasionally stumbles backwards or trips. It is eating and drinking. Legs are still purple.
We gave it one drop of Poly-Vi-Sol this morning. No other chicks show any symptoms at all.
Any thoughts about what it could be or what we can do?
Thanks so much in advance!
Nick and Tiffany
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