poor little chick

[Anonymous]

I have a nine week old chick of mixed heritage who, approximately 1 1/2 to 2 weeks ago, became unstable on her legs. I can't tell if both legs are affected or if one goes unstable and the other has trouble supporting so it looks unstable. It seems as though the legs are "loose" at the hock. When she gets herself upright with both feet under her, she can walk - slowly and a little stiffly - but she mostly sits down whenever possible. She cannot get up to roost with her one age-mate so sleeps in the bedding down in a corner after crying a little each night for her sibling. She is eating well but I'm worried that if this is a disorder and not a healable injury, growing larger will just make it worse. I did change the chicks' food around the time this turned up - from medicated chick food to grower food. I had been letting her range for a little while each day but have been keeping her in the pen more since she's been lame. Any ideas? Thank you.

 

[Davidd]

Hello and welcome
If you can't tell if it's an injury or a sympton i would, if possible take her to a vet- it could be Mareks disease- is she breathing hard? are her feathers sticking up/out? A vet will be able to tell you if she has broken bones/muscle damage or a disease/infection. God luck with her and let us know how she gets on.
regards, David

 

[Anonymous]

Thank you, David, for your very prompt reply as I'm pretty worried about my chick. I looked up Marek's Disease and, you're right, it sounds like she could have the neural form. I suppose I should watch the second chick for signs? I have eight one year old chickens and these two nine week old chicks. One website seemed to indicate that chickens over 5 months were immune but could be carriers - does that sound right to you? Thanks again for your advice. Kathy.