brain damage from the cold?

[lampshadeee69]

The one I thought was dead died the other day. I don't know why, but 3 others also died that were seemingly normal. I have 3 left that are as healthy as can be. Hopefully they will survive, chicks are so cute but so high maintenance.

 

[cmom]

Sorry for your loss. Sometimes they die for no apparent reason.

 

[Chickenmum007]

I wasnt sure if this topic should go here, diseases and injuries, or raising baby chicks, but i decided this was the best place. Today my broody hen's eggs all hatched. I went into the coop after school and noticed one egg with a pip through the shell, another chick on the ground, and two more in the nest box still. She left the nest with three chicks. I put the two from the egg box which seemed normal under her, but one wouldnt move and was wobbly. I picked up the pipped through egg and the chick on the ground, both seemed to be dead to me. As i was bringing them to be buried, i noticed they were both still breathing but only just. I immediately turned around to notice Anne (the hen) with all her babies except the wobbly one on the other side of the coop now. I grabbed the wobbly one and brought the three inside, where i set up a sick bay with my old incubator. The wobbly chick's condition improved, but the chick that seemed dead and the pipped egg chick hadnt made any progress yet. I helped the pipping chick hatch successfully, and it immediately started to pep up. I think the egg was keeping him/her cold. Anyways, i left the newly hatched chick, the wobbly chick, and the almost dead chick in the incubator together. I came back a few hours later and found the almost dead chick awake and alert, chirping with the now only slightly wobbly chick. It had gone from a state of near death (back of its head touching its back, feet straight out, wings unfolded, etc.) To the state of chick-like curiosity. The only problem with it was that it keeps its head low to the ground and shakes it side to side slowly when it stands still, and trips over its self when it walks. In my experience, this is a sign of brain trauma. Both the wobbly chick and the "brain damaged" chicks can eat and drink, but i am worried the "brain damaged" one might die. Also, the hatched chick hasnt learned to walk yet and keeps its eyes closed a lot still. It just rolls around the incubator chirping. I am leaving him in the incubator at a temp. Of 85 degrees (the other ones perked up at 75 after being left in 65 degree weather in the coop.) Hopefully this will help it, but i dont know. If anyone has suggestions they are welcome. I am sick of losing chicks so early (ive only had one reach adulthood thanks to predators/motherly negligence). I am prepared to feed these chicks with syringes if they can't feed themselves. Anything to save this brood. Now that you all have read this massive story i just hope that someone can help with some advice on what to do.

Hey not sure if you will get a notification for this reply, such an old post... But I was wondering what happened to your chicks, especially the wobbly - brain damaged one? I bought 7 chicks and one seems brain damaged as well. I didn't think she would make it as she couldn't seem to aim her beak to eat food and she trips into things and walks a little to the side wobbling her head. She is 10 weeks now and I can pick her out straight away in the flock and though she still doesn't aim her beak well and misses out on the treats thrown out (I scoop her up and make sure she has some.. just needs extra time to eat) she's doing pretty well! It's like her balance and eye sight is out but I think she will make it for the long haul. Yet to find out if she lays eggs ok.