Sudden onset of leg weakness

[Revery Willow Homestead]

I brought home 4 silkie chicks on Friday. Aside from the typical adjustment phase, all were active, eating, drinking, and thriving. This morning (Monday) I went to the brooder to see one of the chicks on its side. I assumed it had been knocked over or fell off the stuffed animal in the brooder and simply got stuck. I scooped her right side up and set her on her feet. She took a few steps, seemed to trip over herself and got stuck again. Overall she was obviously not the same spunky chick she was 2 days prior, a little lethargic, far less mobile, and with a look of defeat.

I separated her into a small moving box lined with an old towel. Have her her own heat lamp as well as “hot hands” warmers under the towel in one spot to help warm her. Administered ACV delution, followed by raw honey water, and then vitamin and electrolyte water by syringe incrementally and in rotation over the next hour. Once she had gained some strength back I gave her tuna fish water with small flakes of fish in it, again by syringe. once getting a taste, she couldn’t get enough.she ate the chick feed (non medicated) when offered as well.

Her upper half seems to be working normally now.No obvious signs of issue with the bottoms of her feet. She does seem to be pigeon toed a little. Very unsure on her feet If she does attempt to walk across the box, she typically falls over or exhausts so quickly that she can’t make it back under the lamp without help. Cognitive reflexes appear normal and responsive.
Bowel movements present as expected for adjusted diet.
I’m unsure of what more I can do for her. Any advise or guidance is appreciated. Do I up protein intake and put her through physical therapy essentially? Give her more time? Could this be a genetic issue? Something she’ll grow out of?

 

[azygous]

Your thoroughness is very excellent. Of course it could be a genetic issue, or temporary stress. You've done a good job treating for that. I would suggest you continue the raw honey water for another day to elevate her glucose.

In case she's suffering from nervous system issues, which can be a problem since it comes with the territory being a Silkie, you might try vitamin E 400iu and selenium therapy, just a sliver, or give her soft boiled egg once a day for the next week. B-complex could also assist to strengthen her legs.

 

[Revery Willow Homestead]

Thank you. I hadn’t thought about the B complex. I’ll add that into the mix tomorrow.

I add dried herbs to my feed for the vitamins and nutrients. My girls and I also forage fresh greens for them almost daily to change things up and keep them happy, healthy, active, and entertained. The tuna has high selenium to help with the absorption of the herbs as well as being a clean and unprocessed protein source. I do give boiled eggs to my chicks weekly as a treat too. Do you think I should add boiled eggs to the regimen for this one along with the tuna? I worry that might be too much protein?