12 hour old chick and it's neck

[docchickenmama]

I have a 12 hour old chick that won't stand up straight, it keeps throwing its head/neck backwards and falling on its back, then just laying there with the feet up in the air. It seems happy if I am holding it in my hands upright and snug, but flails about when I let go.

 

[BarnyardChaos]

Welcome to BYC, I'm sorry it had to be a sad issue that brought you here. The condition you describe is known as "stargazing" or "wry neck" syndrome. It's a neurological issue most often caused by a vitamin E deficiency, injury, genetics, or certain diseases. Not that uncommon in newly hatched chicks, but it happens at any time or any age of bird, too.

You can try to help it, and it *might* recover, but it will be a marathon effort for you. (After dealing with it a few times, I've chosen to cull those chicks with wry neck before I get too attached.)

Here's a very good article with all the details you need to know:
https://www.raising-happy-chickens.... neck: 5,idea to have a good quality... More
and another:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/wry-neck-causes-treatment-and-prevention.67732/
And this member who shares her story of treating a chick:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/wry-neck-in-a-chick.78017/

You can google it for many articles and videos. Good luck.