sick or hurt chick

[meech0737]

Hi!
I am new to raising chickens and need some help. We got 10 baby chicks a week and a half ago, they are all doing fine except one. She seemed fine at first (maybe a little unbalanced) but last Thursday I found her all by herself in the brooder (away from the others) I honestly didn't think she would survive the night. Her left leg is straight out, she doesn't even try to walk, her head is always down or off to the left side. I don't know if it's paralyzed or if she has some sort of disease. She won't eat or drink unless I stick her beak right in it. Her eyes are closed most of the time. We have her legs in a brace hoping that would help but like I said she doesn't move by herself at all. We have her separated from the others so she won't get hurt. I'm not sure what else we can do?? Any suggestions?

Thank you
Michelle

 

[CMV]

Where did you get these birds from? I am inclined to think one of two things is going on- Marek's or a serious vitamin deficiency. Here'a an article that covers both:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq

 

[CMV]

If they only a week and a half old then they are too young to be showing clinical signs of Marek's, so it is more likely a deficiency.

 

[Shan30]

Where did you get these birds from?  I am inclined to think one of two things is going on- Marek's or a serious vitamin deficiency.  Here'a an article that covers both:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/the-great-big-giant-mareks-disease-faq

I agree it does sound like one or the other. Is this a bit young or Mareks though?

I would get her on a multivitamin (save-a-chick) quickly. Call you feed store or vet, they should be able to recommend. Thiamine deficiencies can cause similar symptoms so some finely chopped liver would be helpful.

Some more information would be great. Age, breed, brooder conditions, feed and a picture would be really helpful.

 

[meech0737]

We got them on March 9th from our local Tractor Supply (not sure how old they are) She is a red pullet and we are feeding them
Manna Pro medicated chick starter. The pic with the 2 hens - they were basically all the same size when we brought them home -that's how much the others have grown in comparison to her.

 

[Shan30]

Wow she is tiny in comparison isn't she. Well as you just have a few chicks I am guess that these little ones are pets to you and therefore you really want to save her. I would switch to non-medicated feed immediately. Medicated feed contains a thiamine blocker that may be causing or at least worsening her condition. Have you looked into the vitamin supplements and thiamine? I think this is your best place to start. As the others are so much larger, keeping her separated for now is probably a good idea. Sorry if you answered this but is she eating at all? Please be aware that there may be something wrong with her that you simply cannot fix.

So sorry your having to deal with this.

 

[CMV]

Is she always positioned like that? Back on her hocks? Is her bad leg swollen or hot to the touch in any areas?

Clearly she is not well. You can see that in the pics. Poor baby.

 

[meech0737]

Her leg isn't swollen or hot. She is positioned like that 85% of the time. I guess if we don't see any improvement by the weekend we will have to do something.
I bought sav a chick probiotic and electrolyte, she drank a little so we'll see.
Thank you all for the advice, I'll keep you updated.

 

[CMV]

I think you have a failure to thrive chick. They come along every so often and just don't seem to be able to keep up with their peers. Usually it is related to some defect that is not visible. They sometimes survive, but often despite the best care and treatment, they just don't make it. Giving her some vitamins and some extra TLC can't hurt, but I wouldn't hold out any real hope for her survival.

 

[meech0737]

Unfortunately we had to put her down this morning. She took a turn for the worse last night....