I have a distressing problem with some chicks I ordered from IDEAL Hatchery awhile ago. Three have been infected with a very strange disease that I do not quite know how to put in words. However, I will do my best in describing the symptoms:
1. Stiffness/paralysis of limbs
2. Difficulty breathing
3. Drooping wings
4. Loss of appetite
5. Stunted Growth
6. Noticeably uneven growth in feet/legs
7. Flopping/rolling around leading to death (in one of the chicks)
I did some internet research on this and came across a site that described this disease, only it said that it is often accompanied by blisters on the chick's breast and another symptom I've forgotten. I don't remember the name of the disease, but I believe it was abbreviated "MS".
I don't know what to do about these chicks. One of them died shortly after shipment, and the other two went on a fairly quick decline in the ensuing days. I gave them all the essentials: clean water and bedding, medicated chick starter feed, water-soluble vitamins (first few days after shipment), an average of 95 degrees for temperature, excellent light, and a draft-free brooder. Does anyone know if these chicks could survive to be healthy breeders/egg layers, or would they be pretty much useless? Also, the two remaining chicks seem to be recovering a bit. However, if they recovered, would they carry the disease to the rest of my flock? (I have quarantined them.) If they cannot grow up healthily or if they will pass this disease to my other chickens, does anyone know of some humane, relatively painless ways to euthanize them?
Thanks, and God bless!
1. Stiffness/paralysis of limbs
2. Difficulty breathing
3. Drooping wings
4. Loss of appetite
5. Stunted Growth
6. Noticeably uneven growth in feet/legs
7. Flopping/rolling around leading to death (in one of the chicks)
I did some internet research on this and came across a site that described this disease, only it said that it is often accompanied by blisters on the chick's breast and another symptom I've forgotten. I don't remember the name of the disease, but I believe it was abbreviated "MS".
I don't know what to do about these chicks. One of them died shortly after shipment, and the other two went on a fairly quick decline in the ensuing days. I gave them all the essentials: clean water and bedding, medicated chick starter feed, water-soluble vitamins (first few days after shipment), an average of 95 degrees for temperature, excellent light, and a draft-free brooder. Does anyone know if these chicks could survive to be healthy breeders/egg layers, or would they be pretty much useless? Also, the two remaining chicks seem to be recovering a bit. However, if they recovered, would they carry the disease to the rest of my flock? (I have quarantined them.) If they cannot grow up healthily or if they will pass this disease to my other chickens, does anyone know of some humane, relatively painless ways to euthanize them?
Thanks, and God bless!
