Squishy body and running backwards

[Unclebean]

We have a 2 month old chick that I noticed was only walking/running backwards this evening. I picked her up and she feels bloated all around her body kinda squishy feeling. Today our son was taking lemon peels to the compost bin and he gave some to the chickens. I've heard citrus is not safe for chickens. Could this be the problem? Any other ideas?

 

[rivers2011]

wow, that sounds like...one of the oddest problems i've ever heard of...but I sincerely wish you and your chick the best. I'm sure someone around here will have an answer!

 

[poseygrace]

Wow, that is weird. Sorry I don't have any answers, just wanted to wish you good luck in your quest. Hope the chicky makes it!

 

[lewishe]

Here's a bump to keep your question up

 

[rivers2011]

Hi UncleBean,
I just did a google search and found the following info:
from http://www.bar.gov.ph/agritech/Livestock/AGRITECH%20LIVESTOCK/CHICKEN/chicken_materials.htm.asp
COMMON DISEASES OF POULTRY

Avian Pest (Newcastle Disease)
Cause:Virus
Transmission: Contact with the nasal and mouth discharge from infected birds
- Through the polluted air and contaminated equipment
- Through the mechanical means such as being carried bu sparrows (maya), predators, or other birds
- Human beings transmit the disease through infected clothes and shoes
Signs :In young birds, gasping, coughing, rattling of the windpipe, hoarse chirping, paralysis, walking backward and circling
- In adults, coughing occasional paralysis, abrupt drop in egg production, soft-shelled eggs, greenish watery diarrhea
Prevention: Vaccination. Consult your veterinarian for a program suited to your operation
Treatment: There is no treatment for the disease. In case of an outbreak, the following measures could be adopted to minimize its further spread and effect control of the disease
- isolate sick birds quickly
- quarantine the area by regulating human traffic from disease-affected premises to other farms as well as from poultry house to poultry house on the same farm
- Revaccination of the exposed and apparently healthy portion of the flock, if the protective titer (detected by serological test) is already low.
- Thoroughly disinfect the houses and premises. Allow to dry before occupancy
- Bury deeply or burn dead birds

from http://poultrykeeper.com/silkie/the-silkie/diseases-common-to-silkies.html
The best silkies are those with a dome on their skull which produces an excellent crest although this is often quite alarming when seen in chicks as it appears as a large bump on top of the head - quite disconcerting to new breeders!
Is a particular problem with, although not limited to, some of the crested breeds and is often mistaken for Marek’s disease. An infection in the enlarged cranial cavity produces fluid which in turn presses on the brain. Symptoms include walking backwards and falling over. The bird may spin around in circles then suddenly recover, much to the misguided amusement of the keeper. Treatment is simple and effective: isolate the bird and administer a liquid feed (pellets ground up with water) via a large syringe directly into the mouth at regular (two to four hour) intervals during the day, with the last feed at night. An antibiotic preparation needs to be prescribed by your vet and injected into the breast muscle along with an anti inflammatory drug (ask your vet to show you how if you are unsure) to reduce the swelling and clear up the infection. You may have to continue treatment for up to four weeks in mild cases however severe cases should be euthanized if there is no marked improvement after one week or if the bird is in considerable distress.

from http://www.gameconsultancy.co.uk/game-bird-services/diseases.html
Ataxia
Pheasant ataxia is a neurological condition of pheasants. It is an important differential diagnose of Newcastle Disease (ND), which is notifiable. The nature of the lesions made one suspect the cause of the disease is a virus although a specific virus has not been found yet. Usually presents in poults 8 weeks or older. Affected birds show imbalance, walk backwards. These symptoms could progress to circling, leg paralysis and eventually lateral recumbency.

 

[Unclebean]

This morning she is walking normal

but she she still seems bloated. I'll keep her isolated from the flock and keep an eye on her. I'll keep you posted and thank you!