6 week old chicks head twitching

[AMurray102]

Hi! I got these chicks a few weeks ago, they are now 6 weeks old. They just started twitching their heads today… I thought they may have been too hot, so I turned the heat light off, but then they huddled up close and appeared cold. Any ideas??

 

[Debbie292d]

What breed are the chicks? Are they still on grower feed?

I'd give them some Nutra Drench or Poultry Cell in the water in the meantime while you figure out what's causing it. That's just in case it's a vitamin deficiency, but it may need more depending.

Welcome to BYC, by the way!

 

[AMurray102]

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[Debbie292d]

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You could switch them over to regular non-medicated grower now if you wanted, but I'd try giving them some vitamins as it sure doesn't hurt.

I raise silkies so am always cautious about vitamin deficiencies.

 

[BDutch]

Do you mean something like the chivk in this thread?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...king-head-wobbly.1610752/page-2#post-27472498

 

[Eggcessive]

Hi! I got these chicks a few weeks ago, they are now 6 weeks old. They just started twitching their heads today… I thought they may have been too hot, so I turned the heat light off, but then they huddled up close and appeared cold. Any ideas??

If they appear cold, then they may still need some heat. Where are they housed and what is the current temperature? Do you have a thermometer? Are they fully feathered? Chicks may twitch a bit when their feathers are coming in so rapidly. I usually remove the heat lamp once they are tolerating 65 degrees and are all fully feathered. If they are outside in the cold, putting a little heat for those that want it for a day or two may be normal.

 

[AMurray102]

If they appear cold, then they may still need some heat. Where are they housed and what is the current temperature? Do you have a thermometer? Are they fully feathered? Chicks may twitch a bit when their feathers are coming in so rapidly. I usually remove the heat lamp once they are tolerating 65 degrees and are all fully feathered. If they are outside in the cold, putting a little heat for those that want it for a day or two may be normal.

They are in the house, we keep it about 70 in here. I don’t have a thermometer for them specifically. I’ll upload a pic!

 

[AMurray102]

If they appear cold, then they may still need some heat. Where are they housed and what is the current temperature? Do you have a thermometer? Are they fully feathered? Chicks may twitch a bit when their feathers are coming in so rapidly. I usually remove the heat lamp once they are tolerating 65 degrees and are all fully feathered. If they are outside in the cold, putting a little heat for those that want it for a day or two may be normal.

They are in the house, we keep it about 70 in here. I don’t have a thermometer for them specifically. I’ll upload a pic!

 

[nuthatched]

If they're in the house, they don't need a heat lamp. Whats their diet?

 

[Eggcessive]

They probably are fine at that temp without the lamp. Cute chicks.