4 week old chick cant lift head

[chickenstar]

The 3 that are a different breed did you buy them from a different source? Even if from the same place this breed might just be tougher than the other and I can take a lot more before becoming ill,what are the two breeds in question and where did you get them?

 

[whitster290]

They're from tractor supply. 3 isa browns which are sick and three black sexlinks. I'll be going to get meds this morning. I wonder how they got sick... Maybe from my dogs and cats?

 

[chickenstar]

No definatly not from a dog or cat. Most likley they were already sick when you got them I'm sure its nothing you have done. Tractor supply like any other feed store gets there animals from a 3rd party most likley it is the two breeds from different places, that could be why the black sexlinks are not sick yet. I'm pretty sure we are dealing with a bacterial infection of some kind what you need to do is get the antibiotics and the corid into them fast before they become so weak that you have to syringe feed and water them

 

[chickenstar]

I did some reserch and the reason they are head heavy and wobbly and closing there eyes is because they are weak and that's how chicks act when they are weak they just don't have enough energy for anything right now and sadly unless they are still able to eat and drink on there own they may die. So what you need to do is force them to drink hold there head in a upright position and siring water at the side of there beak slowly letting them swallow a little at a time.and do this with all 3 isa browns often at least every 20 min,also try feeding them anything they will eat like some greek yougurt or dried meal worms which are very high energy food ask at tractor supply I'm sure they have meal worms. The tylan comes in both ingectable and water soluble form so,if you feel comfortable with giving them injection go for that as it will act faster then the water soluble form,but if you don't think you can then you must syring force them to drink this untill you see them starting to get better and starting to be able to drink on there own ,also syring this soluble medication every 15 min let me know how you're doing

 

[chickenstar]

Oh and don't forget to get the corid too don't worry thease medications can be used and mixed together in water find out how much per gallon of water from tractor supply if you need any help I'm here! This same situation happened to me last year and doing what told you to do saved my chicks same thing only some of them were sick good luck just be presistant they need you to force them to drink if you leave them to do as they want they will just give up

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

If it is coccidiosis it can be transferred into the brooder via equipment, hands, etc. So if your dogs and cats were walking outside on the ground and then walked where the chicks walk that could do it- but it isn't a germ that floats through the air or anything.

Cocci are found in the soil. If your chicks have been on ground they can pick it up themselves. They will become resistant to the cocci usually by 8 weeks but they can still come down with it.

But keep in mind that I am not sure what is wrong with your chicks.

Also make sure your feed isn't moldy or spoiled.

 

[dawg53]

I agree with ChickensAreSweet and Eggcessive; most likely cocci at that young age. They need a course of Corid, it'll be in the cattle section at TSC.
Additionally, chicks should be fed chick starter, not carrots or celery...good grief.

 

[chickenstar]

Yes they may have cocci but they can have a secondary bacterial infection as well which is quite common.all I'm saying is its worth a shot to go ahead and give both things right off the bat as clearly they aren't going to be seen buy a vet so not trying an antibiotic at this point in my opinion is the the way to go because it dosent take much for thease chicks to die at this point because they are already extreamly weak and buy the time an antibiotic is given they may be dead! So say go ahead and give both the tylan and corid right now as for the celery and carrots it didint do them any harm do worry about that and don't think any of this is your fault you're a good person that clearly cares about there animals and is doing right buy them!

 

[chickenstar]

Sorry for the typo I meant to say go ahead and give both tylan and corid this way you know you have tried every thing to help them and as long as you make sure they are drinking I'm sure they will be better!

 

[whitster290]

Of course I gave them chick starter.. It was a treat.