leg problems - what to do?

[jemmasgrandma]

First time for meaties ... I have 50, 2 week old cornish x in the brooder box, today when I went out to check them I had several with splayed legs

I have taped 2 of them. My question is what to do if this doesn't work? Can I keep the seperate from the rest and just raise them like that? I don't know why this happened, they are on wood shavings, not slippery

I'm scared to check them in the morning...

 

[jaku]

Do they have splayed legs or are just refusing to walk? I've had splayed legs in brand new birds, but not really with two week olds. I usually cull mine, but if you're willing to put in the time, isolate them and see what happens- they may get better. However, a bird that's just laying around refusing to walk may be sick as well- it's sometimes hard to tell the difference. But either way, isolation would be appropriate if you want to try to save the bird.

 

[jemmasgrandma]

thanks, well, I guess I just assumed they were splayed -they try to walk but can't seem to. will see how they are in the morning.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

splayed legs does seem odd in two week old birds.

 

[SteveH]

I don't know why several would go down at the same time , and agree with others that splayed legs are unlikely . The 2 birds that went down on their legs for me had fluid in their body cavity ; I'm guessing a heart or circulatory problem on my two . Why several of yours went down overnight is a bit baffling . Anything unusual happen , like running out of water ?

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

or mycotxiosis(sp?) are their wings or necks drooping?

 

[jemmasgrandma]

No, their wings are fine, they're holding their heads just right...I change/clean their water at least 3 times a day. I'm thinking of just keeping them seperate and just see how they do. They seem to be eating & drinking just fine, but just scoot around, and when they are just sitting their toes are curled back. we'll see

 

[jemmasgrandma]

I sure appreiciate any input on how to take care of them...

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

you know, I would try a heavy dose of PoliViSol (baby vitamins) in the water, or actually I would even give each of them about half a dropper full in the mouth then treat the water as well.

 

[jemmasgrandma]

Moved them to the big coop...they seem to be coming out if it. I only have one that has a little trouble hopefully he'll snap out of it too. I didn't give them vitamins.