Mabel.

[HouseSilkies]

Hi everyone.

I hatched out six chicks over the course of 2-3 days. One of those is Mabel. When she hatched she seemed fine and was one of the first four to pip and second to hatch.

Unfortunately Mabel is a bit...special. She can’t walk, she scoots and rolls instead. At the moment she is in a little sling/chair I made for her to keep her upright and help her support herself. I’ve been hand feeding and watering her and she’s pooping and cheeping just fine.

Does anyone have any experience with this? I love Mabel and want her to be happy. Success stories? Advice? She’s not in detectable pain at the moment so I’m just trying to help her walk a little each day.

 

[PippinTheChicken]

Photos of your setup?
I had a chick who struggled (probably not as badly as mabel). She survived and lives a happy life with her flock.
Have you checked the legs and feet for any deformities or injuries?

 

[PippinTheChicken]

What do you feed your chicks?

 

[HouseSilkies]

I feed Dumor non medicated chick starter, crushed at the moment.

Here is Mabel and the setup. She likes being able to see her buddies but they try to snuggle with her which squishes her so she has to be tall. The temperature at her height off to the side is correct.

 

[HouseSilkies]

 

[Chickeroonie keeper]

Oh what a cutie!

 

[Chicalina]

awwww poor mabel!

If you post a video of her moving around on her own, people might be able to identify what's wrong and if there is any treatment.

 

[HouseSilkies]

awwww poor mabel!

If you post a video of her moving around on her own, people might be able to identify what's wrong and if there is any treatment.

Oh what a cutie!

I’m not sure how to post a video?

Anyways, a lil update for y’all! Mabel can now eat and drink on her own out if dishes from her chair/sling/someone holding her. No more dropping food into her mouth which is great!


Unfortunately, she still can’t walk. She can stand for a full three seconds, and even take a step or two before she loses her balance and falls on her face. Once she’s down, she flaps around trying to balance herself against stuff but can’t for long. So she’s still in her (new) chair, then she goes in her hanging harness for 20-30 minutes a few times a day so she can work on walking and balancing without falling. For about 2-5 minutes once or twice a day she tries walking/flopping/rolling/balancing in her box on her own which is s l o w l y improving.

But I am starting to think Mabel will always need a little help. Her legs work perfectly so...a chicken walker?

 

[HouseSilkies]

Mabel still can’t walk, and hasn’t feathered at all but her siblings are.

Also has a large bulge on the right side of her neck so her sling isn’t useable anymore...sigh. Poor Mabel.

I wish I could make her ok, I feel so helpless.

 

[Chicalina]

what is the bulge? It is a full crop? Does it feel watery? Is it like an air sac?