I also have chicks from a reputable hatchery and managed to also get 3 little chicks from a questionalbe local breeder. Their condition was so appalling, I could not just leave them there. I only wanted one or two but ended up with three. They were pretty bad the first day. They are quarantined, fed, watered and given heat, but they would not even lay down to sleep- they slept standing up- they were in a very crowded brooder. Their feathers are all over the place and they had hard poop balls on their toes. I removed those with olive oil and some forceps- took about 30 minutes each. I ended up putting a "normal" hatchery chick in with them just so they could see what normal chicks do. After one day, they act more normal - actually sitting down to nap. Their feathers are still a mess, but hopefully, the next set will grow normally. Do I need to vaccinate them for Mareks or is it too late? I can only guess their ages- they were supposed to be standard Mottled Orpington chicks about 1 1/2 to 2 wks old. I put a 2 wk old BO in with them. There is a definite difference in size, although it looks like they have their hackle feathers. What else can I do to help them?I agree about bringing them home but just couldn't walk away and turn my back to them