4-week old chick, shivering / trembling, otherwise normal.

[TheGeekySheep]

Hello all,

Two or three days ago I noticed one of my 4-week-old chicks shivering constantly with seemingly no other symptoms. Otherwise he's fine, he's the biggest and friendliest of the flock currently and walks, eats and behaves normally. It's pretty toasty outside and the chicks have access to a Brinsea brooder that is functioning properly so I don't think he's cold.

Has anyone encountered this before, is it a cause for concern? I'm not averse to giving antibiotics to prevent the spread of it if it's bacterial.

 

[TheGeekySheep]

Okay I can add the occasional sneeze as a symptom. He's still the only one effected. Ideas?

 

[Eggcessive]

Has he been exposed to any older birds near your property? He may have infectious bronchitis, a respiratory virus. Adding heat is one of the treatments, because symptoms are mostly sneezing, throat rattles, eye discharge, and being cold. It is likely all your chicks may get this if it is IB. Hopefully, it is just dust or an allergy, but give him a little heat lamp if he needs it. Here is some info: http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ps039

 

[TheGeekySheep]

Has he been exposed to any older birds near your property?

Nope,this is my first batch of chicks and as far as I'm aware there have never been chickens on the property before. Are there treatments besides heat, which they already have, for respiratory illnesses that I can perform?

 

[TheGeekySheep]

Okay, when he bobs his head the shaking is a little more pronounced now. Still no other chicks affected from what I see. Could really use some advice. I don't want to cull him if he will get better with medicine or if he'll get better on his own.

Has no one really ever seen this before?

 

[Eggcessive]

You could purchase some Duramycin and mix it according to the package directions. It is a broad specturm antibiotic for several respiratory diseases. Chicks are always hit harder by these things than older chickens, and sometimes won't make it. I will look up mixing directions for 1 gallon of water.

 

[Eggcessive]

Okay, the dose of tetracycline (brand name Duramycin 10) is 400 mg per gallon per day. This is 1/2 tablespoonful powder to 1 gallon water. Can mix up smaller amounts, since it has to be tossed out each day, and give it for 7-14 days. http://www.durvet.com/dl/Durvet-Poultry-Brochure.pdf

 

[TheGeekySheep]

Okay, the dose of tetracycline (brand name Duramycin 10) is 400 mg per gallon per day. This is 1/2 tablespoonful powder to 1 gallon water. Can mix up smaller amounts, since it has to be tossed out each day, and give it for 7-14 days. http://www.durvet.com/dl/Durvet-Poultry-Brochure.pdf

Oh goodness, I think you might have beamed this solution right to my mind because before I read this I just got back from going to Tractor Supply on my lunch break and after reading bottles and boxes a packet of Duramycin-10 is exactly what I purchased. I will use this dosing, thank you!

 

[TheGeekySheep]

Update on shakey chick if anyone encounters this problem and does a search:

I still have the Duramycin on hand but never ended up administering it. Shakey chick's symptoms have eased up and it didn't spread to any other flock members. Also turns out Shakey is a pullet, she just had her growth spurt before all the other chicks leading me to think she was a cockerel. Her head still trembles occasionally when she walks so I guess I'll put it down to some sort of neurological condition.