Something is wrong with little chicks

[Moorehunts]

I am new to raising chickens and I bought 12 chickens of different ages. My problem is that I have 3 small chicks(6-weeks old) and the 2 bigger ones lay around alot and when they do get up they walk around like they are dizzy or drunk.They are still eatting ok but something is wrong and I would hate to lose them. I am keeping them in a large container away from the rest of my older ones. Does anyone know whats going on with them?

 

[Turner]

Sounds like Marek's. Do you know if they were vaccinated for Marek's?

 

[Moorehunts]

I havent had them done. Is it too late and where can you get it done at or can you do it yourself?

 

[aveca]

That is very strange, usually mereks will start off with a limp or you would notice an eye with some clouding and then more would start limping and start to get very stiff until legs are splayed out stiff, this sounds kind of like they got into something fermented or toxic. Strange symptoms.

What are you feeding them?

 

[Moorehunts]

Still feeding them starter feed,but am going to change to something else since they are getting older. What do you recommend?

 

[speckledhen]

Watch for moldy feed under and around feeders and waterers. That will make them act drunk sometimes and it's really easy to miss.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

What kind of bedding are you using? It should not be cedar shavings. It can be toxic to chicks. I hope they get better.

 

[Moorehunts]

Was using shredded newspapers but now using straw. I will also check the food..........I was just adding more as it was getting eatten down instead of emptying it. Should I try changing the food from starter feed to something else since they are 6-weeks old?

 

[jennh]

Hi! You should keep them on starter feed until they are almost of laying age.

Jen

 

[kryptoniteqhs]

here this may do the trick for ya!

http://www.apa-abayouthprogramsite.org/Edu_Material/VITAMINS.pdf