Very odd. I'm experiencing the same thing with a Crested Polish, which I picked up with 18 other chicks from a certain "farm store" ... One of them died within a few days, cause unknown, but I did find a bloody dropping. Then all seemed well, but between rain and heat, we hatched a billion mites (or whatever) a few days ago. As I was moving all the chicks into a dry area, found this little gal in the "big chickens" half of the coop (no clue how she managed to get past the fence divider I have up, but they do that...)
She was beak-down in the corner, I thought dead at first, but quite bright eyed so I brought her in to care for. I have been assuming she sustained some type of injury from the older chickens, but since her symptoms match those described in this post, now I don't know.
I put her on a towel in a box, pried her beak open and gave her drops of water/vit/electrolyte mix for a while. I kept expecting her to die any moment, but she kept looking at me in such an alert manner I began wondering whether this is an issue with nerve damage of some kind. Another note is that the second or third time I gave her drops, I noticed a clear mucous in her mouth. She had no difficulty swallowing, though.
Two days of these drops, and today she is chirping away. Trying to stand, but her legs splay out in front of her so she goes butt down, then over onto her side. I really am amazed though, that she's regaining energy and a bit of strength today. She actually just ate a few bits of chick mash just now...
I've searched high and low for symptoms-based diagnosis that would help me figure the out, and the closest thing I can find is Marek's.
Merck says (not this says unilateral leg, which is not the same as what we're seeing in this thread...): "Clinical Findings and Lesions:
Typically, affected birds show only depression before death, although emaciation may be noted. A transient paralysis syndrome (unilateral leg paresis) has been associated with Mareks disease, causing a characteristic posture of one leg held forward and the other held backward as lesions progress.
Chickens become ataxic for periods of several days and then recover. This syndrome is rare in immunized birds. (Note-ataxia means "loss of the ability to coordinate muscular movement.")
This seems to match symptoms except she's going down butt first, both legs forward, then slowly goes head down, beak first... seems like she just doesn't have the strength to hold her head up.
I assume these birds were not immunized, so it could be this. Sure hoping I don't have to treat 16 other chicks similarly in the next couple weeks...
Anyone who has dealth with this condition or Marek's (if that's what it is), I would expecially like to know whether there's something prophylactic to help keep the others from picking it up. They all got an oxine dip this morning for mites, before being placed in a brand new run with wood floor...
Now if we can just stop the rain for a day or two!! Thanks, everyone. Sure is great to be part of this community
