stumbling chick

[klaranna belle]

So, I hatched a sweet little Sulmtaler chick yesterday morning. It is bright-eyed and alert, but hasn't been walking well and the problem seems to be getting worse. Recently, the Little One has been shaking it's head back and forth whenever it tries to take a step and then stumbles backwards. Or, it will stand and then fall to the side, as though it's having balance problems.

Anyone familiar with this? Our other day olds are all walking fine.

Thanks for any advice! -Greta

 

[GitaBooks]

Chicks that have trouble hatching sometimes have leg problems. It may be nutritional (their parents nutrition) or genetic. It sounds like its neurological, however, not just a leg problem.

Toxicity from something they ate, weakness from parasites like coccidia, inner ear infection, or avian encephalomyelitis. Moldy food or injury can also cause problems like that.

I hope it gets better, but chicks that can't learn to use its legs usually doesn't survive. I hope it heals soon. Best of luck!

 

[Monkeybean415]

I don't have any advice but thought I'd share my recent experience. A few months ago we got six couple day old chicks including a weak polish chick. We were able to nurse her back to health but she's never been quite right. When she walks she criss crosses her legs stepping on them, can't fly, doesn't roost, is lethargic and sleeps with her head down. All the other chicks are healthy happy normal chickens but something is not right with this poor girl. We've tried giving her vitamins but it hasn't helped. I'm suspecting something neurological or some type of deficiency but it doesn't look like there's anything we can do for her. I don't think she'll ever be able to join the main flock so are trying to decide what to do about her at this point.

I hope you're little one starts feeling better soon! I'd suggest trying to give some vitamins to see if that helps get it the nutrients it needs. Good luck!