**Updated with videos** HELP!! 4 Week old chick can't stand

[FaithM]

My 4 week old chick has stopped standing up. He's been fine until this point.. Running around and flying. He was the first to figure out the roosting bar. What should I do? When I was reaching in to try and pick him up, he would walk a few steps, then sit down again. His legs seem like they're curled a bit, and when I sat him on the ground to examine him, he leaned against my hand. When I took my hand away, he rested his head straight onto the ground. PLEASE HELP!

 

[FaithM]

I just read about something where chicks grow too fast and can't support their own weight.. Could that be what's going on? This little guy has been growing much faster than all the others and the first to get his feathers. He's a bantam cochin. Does anyone know any treatments for this?

 

[FaithM]

Here are two videos of Peep trying to walk. Still not sure what's wrong.. He is making his way over to the food and water when he needs to eat and drink though. I've seen him do it a few times today.

 

[FarmerChick19]

It almost looks like splayed leg/straddle leg. Which CAN be caused by overfeeding or an extremely fast growth rate. Try researching that and seeing if it fits what is happening here. Fortunately, there are ways to correct splayed legs if this is what it is.

Best wishes to you and Peep

 

[FaithM]

It almost looks like splayed leg/straddle leg. Which CAN be caused by overfeeding or an extremely fast growth rate. Try researching that and seeing if it fits what is happening here. Fortunately, there are ways to correct splayed legs if this is what it is.

Best wishes to you and Peep

Thanks for the reply! It does kind of look like that is what's happening. What should I use for leg braces since his legs and feet are feathered?

 

[FarmerChick19]

Since his legs are feathered, you don't want to use tape or anything sticky, as it can catch on the feathers and easily collect dirt and waste. I'd recommend maybe using gauge or if necessary a EXTREMELY thin strip of cloth, preferably a sheet or something VERY thin and light if it's fabric. Basically you would use this to tie his legs together and into a straight position, but don't worry if you don't see results immediately. He's very young, however, so it should be easier to correct. There are many how-to videos on YouTube if you need a better explanation on how to do it. Also, you may want to separate him from any other chicks if you can, as they may pick at his leg-ties and further inhibit him from gaining acess to food and water.

 

[FaithM]

I found some gauze and used that to brace his legs. He's standing up and walking a little better now, but still resting a lot too. He is at the top of the pecking order, so I'm not sure will peck at him. He's been sleeping in the corner of the brooder and when I just went to check on him, all the other chicks were gathered around him and snuggling into him. Thanks for all your help, FarmerChick!

 

[FarmerChick19]

You're welcome! Glad I could help!

 

[FaithM]

He is now 6 weeks old and I haven't seen much improvement with treating him for splayed leg. He cannot stand on his legs, he rests on his hocks instead and whenever I take the gauze off his legs and try to get him to walk, he doesn't want to walk but when he does, he walks the same as he did in the videos. Should I try to make his legs go upright somehow? The gauze doesn't seem to be doing much. I would really not like to cull him if at all possible. Could he have Marek's possibly? Please help again!

 

[FaithM]

We decided to cull him last night because he was declining in health very quickly. He's in peace now.