My 13-day-old Light Brahma chick suddenly stopped walking properly starting night of day 12. First time chicken owner and really worried.
Symptoms
She can’t support her own weight and keeps sitting down. When she does walk, it’s a slow squatting waddle and she spreads her wings to balance. When she stretches her legs out, her toes go completely limp with no muscle strength at all, and curl loosely when she brings them back. No permanent toe curling at rest though, and no visible swelling or deformity anywhere.
Eyes are bright and alert, still eating and drinking normally. Isolated her from the flock this morning.
Setup
13 days old, indoor brooder, 80x50cm plastic bin with 6 chicks total. Pine shavings bedding, red heat lamp, Purina Start & Grow Medicated (18% protein, has Riboflavin in ingredients).
Possible cause
A larger suspected-male Buff Orpington has been repeatedly jumping on the backs of the other chicks. Not sure if this is related.
Questions
What does this sound like? What are possible causes, and can this be treated at home or does she need a vet?
Video in comments. Thanks in advance.
