Scared New Chick Mom 4 day Old Americana Lame Right Wing and Leg

[monicastross]

Hello Backyard Chicken Peeps,
I am a new backyard chicken mom and I have a 4 day old Americana that just started to show signs of lameness on her right side. It started with her right foot sticking out when she sat, then I noticed she was favoring that one leg and now I see that her wing on that same side is drooping. She was very alert and bright eyed when I got her at about 24 hours old. She was active and curious, drank and started eating within the hour after putting her in her tank with her new siblings, another Americana who is still doing very well and 2 buff Orpingtons. She is still eating and drinking but her lameness seems to be progressing. I noticed it this morning when cleaning their pen. Now it is evening here. Im afraid to go to sleep, I adore her already. Her name is Wren. Everything I read says Marek's disease but she is only 4 days old. I am praying that is not it and it's something I can help her over come. They were given fresh electrolyte water and organic chic starter from day one. Any advice or direction is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for you time. Monica

 

[Eggcessive]

It cannot be Mareks symptoms at this age. I would continue with giving the electrolytes with vitamins, and encouraging it to eat with wet chicken feed. It could be an injury, or dehydration, but I would continue to treat her. Vitamins such as Poultry Cell or NutriDeprench can be helpful.

 

[monicastross]

It cannot be Mareks symptoms at this age. I would continue with giving the electrolytes with vitamins, and encouraging it to eat with wet chicken feed. It could be an injury, or dehydration, but I would continue to treat her. Vitamins such as Poultry Cell or NutriDeprench can be helpful.

Thank you so much I needed to hear that! Upon further evaluation it doesnt appear to be her wing. She was just laying funny. It seems to be her right leg. She is still walking (albeit kind of hopping/waddling) eating, drinking, pooping. I will observe her more. I appreciate your quick response!

 

[micstrachan]

I bet she has a little injury. Poor thing. Make sure she’s eating and drinking, but not eating the bedding.

 

[monicastross]

Currently I am just using puppy pads as I have two new newborn silkies that I just got today. I wanted them to get their legs under them a bit before adding bedding. I have them separated at the moment though. Should I add some bedding to help take the pressure of her little leg a bit? I think I will.

 

[monicastross]

You know, I have been preparing for this day for years. I read the books, I subscribe to the magazines, I follow the FB pages of Backyard Chickens and The Chicken Chick. But I really did not think I would be at a loss only 4 days in. I just want the best for my girls. Happy, healthy, safe. I guess the learning curve is steep! Thank you everyone, Monica

 

[4 ever Orpington]

Hello Backyard Chicken Peeps,
I am a new backyard chicken mom and I have a 4 day old Americana that just started to show signs of lameness on her right side. It started with her right foot sticking out when she sat, then I noticed she was favoring that one leg and now I see that her wing on that same side is drooping. She was very alert and bright eyed when I got her at about 24 hours old. She was active and curious, drank and started eating within the hour after putting her in her tank with her new siblings, another Americana who is still doing very well and 2 buff Orpingtons. She is still eating and drinking but her lameness seems to be progressing. I noticed it this morning when cleaning their pen. Now it is evening here. Im afraid to go to sleep, I adore her already. Her name is Wren. Everything I read says Marek's disease but she is only 4 days old. I am praying that is not it and it's something I can help her over come. They were given fresh electrolyte water and organic chic starter from day one. Any advice or direction is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for you time. Monica

 

[monicastross]

Hello everyone, wow there's been a lot of posts in the forum since my little scare but I wanted to let those that offered advice and direction know that baby Wren is back to walking like a normal little chick. I guess she must have pulled a muscle or something in her right leg. Thank you everyone for coming to my aide so quickly and offering your help, I am a very happy chick mama that all worked out ok!

 

[CannedMonster]

Hello everyone, wow there's been a lot of posts in the forum since my little scare but I wanted to let those that offered advice and direction know that baby Wren is back to walking like a normal little chick. I guess she must have pulled a muscle or something in her right leg. Thank you everyone for coming to my aide so quickly and offering your help, I am a very happy chick mama that all worked out ok!
View attachment 1384012

Awesome
So glad she’s better!
Love her name!

 

[Eggcessive]

Oh that is so good to hear. Thank you for the update.