what is wrong with this baby chick? (pic)

[anniemary]

We have a baby chick who is walking very funny. It's almost as though her/his legs grew faster than his body. He walks flat-footed or on his elbows. It appears like he can't support his body. He is about two weeks old. We are feeding non-medicated chick starter and plain water. I put a tiny bit of vitamins a few days ago, but don't do it regularly. Is this a vitamin deficiency? I was planning on moving the chicks out of the brooder box tomorrow because it's getting a bit small in there for them. Did I wait too long for this one?

 

[shellybean40]

I wish I knew the answer to your question, so I am bumping this up. I want to know what is wrong with your sweet little chick!

 

[loot4louie]

HI- Can he bend his ankles? Maybe little splints to encourage the correct standing position? I am not a chicken expert, but if he was a horse I would be splinting and making sure he got vitamens! Of course I currently have one who only uses one leg and a splint didnt help very much- but it did initially let my little scooter learn to stand. Good Luck! I hope that little one learns to stand!!

 

[SimplySplendidSilkies]

Sounds to me like you need to make a splint and help bone development, I would also give poly- vi-sol without iron!
Check here:
http://sites.google.com/a/larsencreek.com/chicken-orthopedics/leg-braces

 

[HathawayHens]

from my chicken health handbook, looks like maybe thiamin or Vit D, phosphorus or calcium... though it does say it can be nerve or muscle damage, or even a genetic issue.

I would try good feed, some extra vitamins and sunlight, a good surface to stand on, and see how it goes.

 

[DaveD]

I would repost this under disease and emergencies
-David

 

[anniemary]

Update: Our baby chick is now walking more normally. He still rests on his hocks but is using his legs much better. I think it will just take some time.

I moved all the babies into a sectioned off area of our coop, so they have lots more room. Also, I've been putting vitamins in their water. I forgot to do that in the beginning

, so thank you for the reminder!!

And next time I'll post this in the right place!!

Thanks again!!