Question about bad chicks

[Troll]

The past four hatches i have had-theres always one or two that sit way back on their butt with their legs stretched out in front of them. No matter what i try i always end up culling after about a week because they never move, save for flapping and kicking their feet.

This hatch has had two so far. What causes it?

 

[One Chick Two]

I'm assuming this might be spraddle leg?

This is a really good source of info on it.
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/02/spraddle-leg-in-baby-chicks-what-is-it.html

When we originally hatched our first eggs, we had the chicks on first newspaper in the brooder- bad idea- one chick had spraddle leg and couldn't quite get traction. (Too slick surface.)

Once we realized that this could be the cause, we switched to towels- (which we constantly change) no more issues. The day after we switched to toweling, the chick seemed to be fine- go figure.

 

[Troll]

No, the legs are forward, not to the side. Their feet are up by their beak and they lean way forward, almost laying down. Any time you try to set them up they fall back like they cant bend their legs at the hip

 

[MrsBachbach]

No, the legs are forward, not to the side. Their feet are up by their beak and they lean way forward, almost laying down. Any time you try to set them up they fall back like they cant bend their legs at the hip

Could be because of a vitamin deficiency. I would try getting a multivitimin drop in it like Nutri drench and then some physical therapy sessions to work the leg muscles. Try this routine for a few days. Make sure you get some liquid nutrition in the chick several times a day if you can with an eye dropper. Maybe some baby food, it is pretty soft and can be given with an eye dropper.

 

[Troll]

We have tried that in the past with no luck.

 

[MrsBachbach]

Well, you might try looking into higher protein feed for the hens along with supplemental vitamins at least a month prior to gathering eggs. That's all I can think of.

 

[Troll]

Im not concerned with correcting it anymore, just wanted to see what may cause it. 4/50 chicks having it isnt bad enough to switch feed over. I wasted several weeks on the last ones only to end up having to cull anyway, so im not bothering with it anymore.