Chick Sick & Suddenly Can't Stand

[N F C]

This morning all 6 of our 4 wk old chicks looked fine. Then 1 Easter Egger started falling when she tried to walk and quit eating/drinking. We separated her from the other chicks and started giving her water with electrolytes by eyedropper. She's getting worse. Now if I set her down in her box she falls over, legs & wings straight out and she arches her head way backward. Any ideas of what this might be or if there is something we can do to help her?

We're new to all this so appreciate any help you can offer.

 

[Eggcessive]

It sounds as if she is having some neurological issues, including wry or crook neck. Wry neck can result fro vitamin deficiency, head injury, or a disease such as Mareks, Newcastles, and others. Did she have a Mareks vaccine? First of all I would isolate her to keep her calm and quiet, put food and water close where she can reach it, and then start her on chick vitamins in the water or on PolyVisol without iron 2-3 drops daily. Vitamins B1 and E with selenium is also good. http://oureggbasket.blogspot.com/2013/04/wry-neck-or-crook-neck-understanding-it.html

 

[N F C]

Eggcessive, thank you for the information. Unfortunately, she's gone now. We've cleaned the brooder from top to bottom including water and feeders and are keeping close watch over the other 5 chicks. It's been a long day, hopefully the other girls are ok (they are acting normally so far). Thanks again.

 

[dawg53]

It sounds like it couldve been a thiamine deficiency. Since your other chicks are acting normal, I dont believe it's a disease of any type. Monitor them closely for similar symptoms. You can purchase Avian Super Pack to give to your chicks. It contains alot of minerals and vitamins that electrolytes dont provide. Dosage is 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water for 5 days.
http://www.jefferspet.com/avian-super-pack/camid/LIV/cp/AB-P1/

 

[Eggcessive]

Sorry for your loss. Chicks are pretty active and can get hurt with rough housing. Hopefully it was just an injury or vitamin deficiency. Just watch your others closely for awhile.

 

[N F C]

Dawg53, thanks for the information and link. The product you shared is like the one we found here (just under a different label). The remaining 5 girls look good this morning and are eating/drinking and chirping. After yesterday's quick downfall of one, we've become hovering new parents (I think the birds are starting to worry about US).