Chick having a hard time holding up it's head

[technoagrarian]

A few days ago I switched my 6 week old chicks back from using aspen shavings to using pine shavings after I lost 2 chicks and now I've lost 2 more and now I've had to isolate a chick from the others. This chick doesn't seem to be getting better. I've observed her this morning and she seems to be dragging her head on the floor. Anyone have any idea what illness would cause that and how I might be able to treat without going to the vet?

 

[dennisma1]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I'd be suprised if Shavings are an issue. Are you using medicated food ? What is the rest of your set up? Where did you get the chicks?

 

[technoagrarian]

I'm so sorry to hear that. I'd be suprised if Shavings are an issue. Are you using medicated food ? What is the rest of your set up? Where did you get the chicks?

I've never used medicated feed and I haven't had issues in the past. I just have the brooder with shavings and a gravity based waterer and a feeder. I use feed from a man in town that gets non-GMO feed. I purchased the chicks from Mount healthy hatchery.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

A few days ago I switched my 6 week old chicks back from using aspen shavings to using pine shavings after I lost 2 chicks and now I've lost 2 more and now I've had to isolate a chick from the others. This chick doesn't seem to be getting better. I've observed her this morning and she seems to be dragging her head on the floor. Anyone have any idea what illness would cause that and how I might be able to treat without going to the vet?

Please post some photos of the chick, the brooder and her poop.

Do you have an analysis for the feed (ingredient/nutrient list or tag)?

Did all the other chicks that died present by putting their head on the floor too?

Any of the feed moldy?

Hard to know which direction to go. Dragging the head on the floor makes me thing neurological or botulism. Is the feed fresh, does it have an odor, smell or mold in it?

I think I'd treat for Coccidiosis and neurological problems.

Treat their water with Corid. Liquid Corid dose is 2tsp or Powdered Corid dose is 1 1/2tsp per gallon of water. Give this for 5-7 days.

Give 400IU Vitamin E and give it to each chick daily. A treat of egg can be given daily to help with the uptake of E.

Once we have more info, photos, etc. I may change my mind.