4 week old chick cant lift head

[whitster290]

They're all snugly tonight

 

[Eggcessive]

You said the chick was still exhibiting the wry neck symptoms on your other thread. Are you seeing any improvement with the vitamins? After they all finish the Corid, the others should get some vitamins and probiotics to replace vitamin B and to help the gut bacteria get back to normal. I'm very glad they are doing better.

 

[whitster290]

She's picking up her head a bit and eating on her own. I'm still dropper feeding her water to make sure she gets it.

 

[Eggcessive]

Great to hear. Chicks can get wry neck for many reasons: injuries, genetic, diseases, and in many cases from vitamin deficiency (B1 and E) so most try the vitamins first to see if it helps. The vitamin deficiency results from the parent stock when it affects new chicks, but some feeds can have depleted vitamins. It never hurts to give chickens vitamins 2 or 3 days a week (probiotics are also good,) just in case the feed is lacking. Some feed bags will sit on the shelf a couple of months during slow times of the year, and some may not be as fresh.

 

[whitster290]

Today she is drinking on her own!!! Woo hoo!!!!

 

[whitster290]

New question. With this illness going on and living in southeast Michigan... Is this going to delay being able to move out to the coop? How do I know when they're ready?

 

[Eggcessive]

I usually wait until mine are fully feathered around 6-7 weeks, or I put them out with a heat lamp in the coop. I would probably finish up the Corid, and make sure they are all eating and drinking well since you can keep a closer eye on them in the house. My 3 1/2 week olds are out and about in the yard with their mother now, but broody-raised chicks seem to be tougher.

 

[whitster290]

I'm thinking about taking my health chicks out in the yard for the first time. What do you do to prepare... I was thinking of putting them in a kiddie pool since I don't have a corral or small fenced area... My backyard is fenced but large.... Their run is not quite ready yet... Any suggestions?

 

[Eggcessive]

They will fly out of a kiddie pool, unless you put screens or a frame of chicken wire/hardware cloth over the pool. Many people lose their chicks outside because they run all over and hide. It's best to build a simple box frame, and cover it with hardware cloth. Always have shade for them so they don't overheat. They act like real fraidy cats when they first go outside, then the love it. You will use it a lot over the years. Below is metal frame that I zip tie plastic poultry netting around, then use bird netting over the top.