Is my chick lazy or poorly?

[Cwoodie78]

Hi, I currently have 6 chicks which are almost 8 weeks old.We are new to keeping chickens but are loving every moment of it.We have mixed breed of 2 x Silkies, 2 x Barnevelders, 1 x Goldtop and 1 x Blacktail. I've noticed that over the last few days one of Barnevelders is laying down alot, alot more than all of the other chicks, she is walking approx 10 steps then laying down, do I need to worry? Or can this be normal chick behaviour? Maybe I have a lazy chick but I'm worried incase I'm missing anything, she is eating and drinking fine, does anyone know what this can be? Many thanks

 

[alexa009]

How long has she been doing this? It could be mareks disease if it's been going on awhile.

 

[Cwoodie78]

How long has she been doing this? It could be mareks disease if it's been going on awhile.

They have been injected for Mareks at a day old, she seems quite happy dosent seem to be in pain, it's become more noticeable over the last 2 weeks but she's been doing it alot more these last couple days.My other Barnevelder has been chirping loudly when near her and trying to get underneath her alot tonight, I'm not sure of chicken behavior and what this means but not seen them do this before

 

[alexa009]

Pulled muscles or slipped joints can cause lameness in chickens.

 

[ChikenChik]

Is it hot? Or are they still under a light in the brooder? My chicks move a LOT less when its hot. Also check her poop for blood...I know hard when you have multiple chicks. I had one set of chicks with coccidiosis that were lethargic. Corrid cleared it right up. whatever you do just keep asking questions! I have gotten so much help here!

 

[April’s Zoo]

Marek’s @ 8weeks seems unlikely....

The most common ailment in chicks is coccidia. It can be present without diarrhea (early on) and without bloody stools. One of the first symptoms is fatigue and “laziness”.
You’ll need to put Corid (brand name for amprolium) in their water. It is safe to give them even if they don’t have coccidia, but it can save their life if they do and you’ve caught it early.

I think the dosage for the liquid is 10 ml. per gallon (3.75 L) of water, and the powder is 7.5 ml per gallon, given for 5-7 days—
@casportpony is that right?

There are other things your vet can prescribe instead, like sulfa or metronidazole (I think?)... and of course, if you have a vet, it’s always preferable to take a stool sample for testing before treatment. But since Corid is safe, can almost never be overdosed, and can save lives, even if you can’t get stool tested, it is typically recommended to start treatment.

Good luck and

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Could you possibly capture a brief video showing the bird so that we can see what you are seeing? The old saying a picture is worth a 1000 words is very applicable when trying to diagnose birds showing what may be considered odd activity

 

[April’s Zoo]

^X2 ol grey mare.....