3 day old chick, scratching its head off, HELP, (BLOODY PIC!!!)

[Yvonne37894]

1 of the 3 day old lt brahma chicks has started scratching at its head, both sides.
has food & water at all times. On paper towels.
Anyone have a suggestion on what it could be! I've looked it over, no mite

On both sides of head

 

[rancher hicks]

is it by itself, it should. Def need a red light. And some bluekot. its what I would do.

 

[Yvonne37894]

has red light, with 15 chicks, only 1 that is doing this.
I'm holding it to keep it from scratghing.
bathed & drird it. very little damage.

 

[Chickenmaven]

I'd put antibiotic ointment on it & isolate it within the brooder (if you can).

 

[jenjscott]

File the toenails so they are not sharp. Maybe a problem in the ear canal causing it to scratch, but I have no suggestions as to what it could be.

 

[Yvonne37894]

I put tape over toes to stop damage, and I'm giving water !! Maybe it never started drinking !!

 

[kimb]

I too would guess inner-ear problem - maybe an ear infection? -

If you have/can call a vet I'd try to get a dosage for antibiotics

Poor little thing x( hope you find the answer.

 

[rancher hicks]

I've had at least two cases where it was necessary to isolate a chick for a few days. They survived and eventually went back with their buds. Yours will to I expect.

 

[Yvonne37894]

Update:
Forced it to drink water only!
It is running with the group and is doing fine.
No more scratching.
Thanks all for the help!

 

[purpletree23]

I've been reading this forum for a while now and this is one of the craziest things I've ever read. Poor little thing was tearing it's skin all to pieces and all because it never started drinking? Sign of dehydratation? Please keep us posted on this. Very interesting and we all can learn and pass on the knowledge when someone else's chick acts the same way.

Strange

Happy New Year Everyone!