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Why is my 5-week-old chick struggling to walk with splayed legs?

Updated On December 4th, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 21 days old

My silkie chick is 5 weeks old. This week she can no longer walk properly on her legs and sits a lot. They are splayed and her feet are curled. She’s had no issues walking until now. She’s been vaccinated again Mareks at a day old. She’s eating and drinking fine. Her sister developed the same problem a few weeks ago but has since fully recovered but she wasn’t as bad a this one. This one seems to be getting worse. What’s wrong with her? Will she get better? Thanks

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jacqueline Nobles, DVM, DACVECC

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Emergency/Critical Care Specialist

Published on March 28th, 2018

Hello, Despite her vaccine, I would worry Daisy may have a herpes virus such as Mareck’s disease especially if her sister was affected too. Unfortunately, not all vaccines are 100% effective. Additional possibilities include parasites, bacterial infections or congenital abnormalities but seem less likely. I would advise you to have Daisy evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

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